Intravenous use of tranexamic acid reduces postoperative blood loss in total knee arthroplasty

Introduction

Blood transfusion is often required in total knee replacement (TKR); several methods of blood preservation are commonly used but the ideal solution is to reduce the blood loss during and after surgery. Aim of the study was to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy and safety of intravenous use of tranexamic acid in patients receiving TKR (cemented).

Materials and methods

Forty-five patients after TKR receive treatment with tranexamic acid (TXA, treatment group), and 45 were managed with fibrin tissue adhesive (control group). Hemoglobin values decrease and transfusions in both groups were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with Student t test and χ ² test. A statistical model was elaborated to evaluate together all variables and to underline what data can increase transfusions need.

Results

A significant reduction was detected in hemoglobin values in the first 3 days after surgery in the treatment group. The difference in all cases was significant. When tranexamic acid was administered, the need for transfusions was lower (difference statistically significant). No major adverse events were recorded in our series. The use of autologous blood preparation before surgery led to a higher transfusion rate.

Conclusion

Tranexamic acid reduced blood loss in TKR and significantly reduced the blood transfusion need also when compared to fibrin tissue adhesive. The use of tranexamic acid is safe and in future may avoid preparation of autologous blood unit before surgery with a decrease of cost and medical figures involved.     

Endoscopic Internal Drainage with Enteral Nutrition (EDEN) for Treatment of Leaks Following Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background

Endoscopic treatment of gastric leaks (GL) following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) involves different techniques; however, standard management is not yet established. We report our experience about endoscopic internal drainage of leaks using pigtail stents coupled with enteral nutrition (EDEN) for 4 to 6 weeks until healing is achieved.

Methods

In 21 pts (18 F, 41 years), one or two plastic pigtail stents were delivered across the leak 25.6 days (4–98) post-surgery. In all patients, nasojejunal tube was inserted. Check endoscopy was done at 4 to 6 weeks with either restenting if persistent leak, or removal if no extravasation of contrast in peritoneal cavity, or closure with an Over-the-Scope Clip® (OTSC®) if contrast opacifying the crossing stent without concomitant peritoneal extravasation.

Results

Twenty-one out of 21 (100 %) patients underwent check endoscopy at average of 30.15 days (26–45) from stenting. In 7/21 (33.3 %) patients leak sealed, 2/7 needed OTSC®. Second check endoscopy, 26.7 days (25–42) later, showed sealed leak in 10 out 14; 6/10 had OTSC®. Four required restenting. One patient, 28 days later, needed OTSC®. One healed at 135 days and another 180 days after four and seven changes, respectively. One patient is currently under treatment. In 20/21 (95.2 %), GL have healed with EID treatment of 55.5 days (26–?180); all are asymptomatic on a normal diet at average follow-up of 150.3 days (20–276).

Conclusions

EDEN is a promising therapeutic approach for treating leaks following SG. Multiple endoscopic sessions may be required.     

Enhanced Cytotoxicity through Conjugation of a “Clickable” Luminescent Re(I) Complex to a Cell-Penetrating Lipopeptide

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