Does Prophylactic Administration of TXA Reduce Mean Operative Time and Postoperative Blood Loss in Posterior Approach Lumbar Spinal Fusion Surgery Performed for Degenerative Spinal Disease?

Venous Thromboembolism in Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Literature Review of Economic Impact, Risk Factors, and Preoperative Management

Study Design

Literature Review.

Objectives

To conduct a comprehensive literature review about the risk factors and preoperative considerations that are related to postoperative venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) in patients who undergo spinal fusion.

Results

Postoperative VTEs are associated with higher costs and longer hospital stays for patients, in comparison to those who did not develop VTEs. Spinal level and multilevel fusion are risk factors for postoperative VTE. The effect of the surgical approach on VTE risk is unclear. Elevated BMI and age, kidney dysfunction, previous VTE, and primary hypercoagulability are preoperative risk factors for developing VTE. Intraoperative and postoperative risk factors for VTE include prolonged procedure time, discharge to inpatient facilities, and length of hospital stay. The effects of hypertension (HTN), sex, and dural tears on VTE risk in spinal fusion patients are uncertain. Chemoprophylaxis reduced the incidence of VTE. Tranexamic acid was not associated with an increase in VTE postoperatively. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program surgical risk calculator served as a poor predictor of VTE incidence in spinal fusion. Preoperative D-dimer levels may help as a predictive tool.

Conclusions

To elucidate the effects of surgical approach, revision surgery, HTN, and dural tears on postoperative VTE risk, further research is warranted. To help identify high-risk patients, a risk calculator sensitive to VTE must be developed.

Determining the Effect of Intraoperative TXA on Postoperative Blood Loss in ACDF

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of intraoperative tranexamic acid (TXA) in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) on postoperative blood loss.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

TXA has been proven to be a safe and effective agent in reducing blood loss after cervical surgery; however, its efficacy when used intraoperatively for ACDF surgeries had yet to be researched. Currently, there are few studies examining the effects of intraoperative TXA in cervical spinal fusion, and none specifically examining TXA use in ACDF.

METHODS

A tertiary medical center's prospectively collected spine registry was queried between 1/1/18 and 12/1/21 for all patients who underwent elective ACDF surgery and received a drain postoperatively. Patients were separated into 2 groups; those who had received intraoperative TXA and those who did not. Baseline demographic and operative variables were collected from the registry. The primary outcome was postoperative blood loss over a 24-hour period. Secondary outcomes included total drain output, intraoperative estimated blood loss, operative duration, drain duration, changes in preoperative to postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and rate of transfusions, complications, revisions, and reoperations. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-six patients were included. One hundred ninety patients underwent ACDF and did not receive intraoperative TXA, whereas 96 patients underwent ACDF and did receive TXA. There were no differences in any demographic or baseline variables. Multivariate analysis showed intraoperative TXA was associated with shorter drain duration (β=-5.74, 95% CI: -10.9 to -0.53, P =0.031) and reduction in 24-hour drain output (β=-12.2, 95% CI: -19.4 to -4.89, P =0.001) and total drain output (β=-14.0, 95% CI: -22.9 to -5.05, P =0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

TXA use during ACDF procedures leads to a decrease in perioperative blood loss and faster drain removal. TXA is an effective and safe agent for reducing perioperative blood loss in ACDF surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Predictors of Blood Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spinal Fusion

OBJECTIVE

To determine risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion after lumbar fusion surgery.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent lumbar fusion at a single, urban tertiary academic center was retrospectively retrieved. Our primary outcome, blood transfusion, was collected via chart query. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the regression model. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 3,842 patients, 282 (7.3%) required a blood transfusion. For patients undergoing posterolateral decompression and fusion, predictors of transfusion included age (P < 0.001) and more levels fused (P < 0.001). A higher preoperative hemoglobin level (P < 0.001) and revision surgery (P = 0.005) were protective of blood transfusion. For patients undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, greater Elixhauser comorbidity index (P < 0.001), longer operative time (P = 0.040), and more levels fused (P = 0.030) were independent predictors of the need for blood transfusion. Patients with a higher body mass index (P = 0.012) and preoperative hemoglobin level (P < 0.001) had a reduced likelihood of receiving a transfusion. For circumferential fusion, greater age (P = 0.006) and longer operative times (P = 0.015) were independent predictors of blood transfusion, while a higher preoperative hemoglobin level (P < 0.001) and male sex (P = 0.002) were protective.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis identified older age, lower body mass index, greater Elixhauser comorbidity index, longer operative duration, more levels fused, and lower preoperative hemoglobin levels as independent predictors of requiring a blood transfusion following lumbar spinal fusion. Different surgical approaches were not found to be associated with transfusion.

Local Infiltration of Tranexamic Acid in Breast Reduction for Symptomatic Macromastia

BACKGROUND

With a surge of tranexamic acid (TXA) use in the plastic surgery community and a constant demand for breast reduction for symptomatic macromastia, questions about the benefits and risks emerge. The aims of this study are to evaluate and compare outcomes of patients undergoing breast reduction while receiving local TXA as opposed to standard procedure without TXA and to assess intraoperative bleeding and operative time.

METHODS

A retrospective review of breast reductions at a single institution from June 2020 to December 2021 was performed. The breast was infiltrated with tumescent solution at the time of surgery, with or without TXA. The population was divided into 2 groups: the TXA receiving group and tumescent only group. Demographics, intraoperative bleeding, operative time, complications, and drain duration were compared between groups. T test and χ 2 test analyses were performed on IBM SPSS.TM.

RESULTS

A total of 81 patients and 162 breasts were included. Mean age among patients was 30 ± 13.44 years. Mean SN-N distance was 32.80 ± 3.62 cm. Average resected breast specimen weight was 903.21 ± 336.50 g. Mean operating room time was 159 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss and operative time were not statistically different between groups ( P = 0.583 and P = 0.549, respectively). T-junction dehiscence was lower in the TXA group ( P = 0.016). Incidence of suture granulomas was lower in the TXA group ( P = 0.05). Drain duration was statistically significantly higher in the TXA group ( P = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

No decreases in intraoperative blood loss, operative time, or hematoma were seen after local administration of TXA during breast reduction. The rate of overall complications was not increased by using TXA, and incidence of T-junction dehiscence was lower in the TXA group lending to TXA's relatively safe profile. More research is necessary to further elucidate the TXA-related benefits in standard breast reductions.

The Usage of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Reduction Mammaplasty Safely Reduces Hematoma Rates

BACKGROUND

Bleeding complications are not uncommon after breast reduction surgery, and recently, tranexamic acid (TXA) as an antifibrinolytic agent has been used in various surgical specialties as a way to minimizes such adverse outcomes. We elected to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous (IV) intraoperative TXA in reduction mammoplasty patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review of clinical charts of all patients who received reduction mammoplasty by a single surgeon at Emory University Hospital or its affiliated Aesthetic Center from January 1, 2020, to March 1, 2022. Seventy-four consecutive breast reduction patients received 1-g IV TXA intraoperatively compared with 117 consecutive controls. The outcome of interest included 30-day postoperative bleeding complications.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age ( P = 0.92), body mass index ( P = 0.98), percentage of smokers ( P = 0.56), operating time ( P = 0.87), estimated blood loss ( P = 0.90), or weight removed ( P = 0.98) between patients in each arm. There were 19 bleeding events (16.2%) in the non-TXA arm compared with 1 bleeding event (1.4%) in the TXA arm ( P = 0.0143). Of the 19, 6 (5.1%) were major events, and 13 were minor events (11.1%); the only bleeding event in the TXA arm was minor. Number needed to treat all bleeding events with use of TXA was 7, and the number needed to treat minor hematomas was 11. There was no significant difference in the rate of seroma, wound healing complications, infection, or nipple necrosis between the 2 arms ( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of IV TXA is a safe and effective way to reduce hematoma rates in patients receiving reduction mammoplasty.

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Operative and Postoperative Blood Loss in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the effect of tranexamic acid (TXA) on reducing perioperative blood loss and length of stay after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Spine surgery is associated with the potential for significant blood loss, and adequate hemostasis is essential to visualizing crucial structures during the approach and procedure. Although TXA use has been extensively studied in the pediatric and adult spinal deformity literature, there is a dearth of literature on its efficacy in reducing blood loss for patients who undergo 1- to 3-level TLIF.

METHODS

All patients requiring 1- to 3-level TLIF who received a preoperative loading dose of TXA were grouped and compared with patients who didn't receive TXA. Demographic, surgical, and laboratory values were collected and analyzed. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed with χ², Kruskal-Wallis, or analysis of variance tests, depending on normality and data type. Multiple linear regressions were developed to determine independent predictors of the estimated blood loss (EBL), total blood loss, drain output, and length of stay. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Patients who received preoperative TXA had more comorbidities (P = 0.006), longer surgery length (P < 0.001), and longer length of stay (P = 0.004). TXA was independently associated with a decreased day 0, 1, 2, and total drain output (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.007, P < 0.001, respectively), but was not associated with a change in EBL, total blood loss, or length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of preoperative TXA for patients undergoing 1- to 3-level TLIF reduced drain output in the first 2 postoperative days, but it did not affect hospital length of stay, total blood loss, or EBL.

Hidden blood loss in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery

INTRODUCTION

Posterior spinal fusions (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have higher blood loss than other pediatric orthopedic surgeries. There is a paucity of literature estimating the hidden blood loss (HBL) in patients with AIS undergoing PSF. The purpose of this study was to compare intraoperative and postoperative estimated blood loss (EBL) in patients undergoing PSF for AIS to determine HBL.

HYPOTHESIS

With contemporary blood loss prevention strategies, HBL will be higher than intraoperative EBL.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a 3-year period, 67 patients with preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hgb) measurements undergoing PSF for AIS were evaluated. Intraoperative EBL was estimated using a volumetric method and recorded by a perfusionist managing a cell saver machine. Total perioperative EBL was estimated using the validated formula: EBL=weight (kg)×age sex factor×(preoperative Hgb - postoperative Hgb)/preoperative Hgb. HBL was calculated as the total perioperative EBL minus the intraoperative EBL.

RESULTS

Calculated total EBL was higher than intraoperative EBL (771±256mL vs. 110±115mL, p<0.001). Mean HBL after wound closure was 660±400mL. Patients 14 years or greater (p=0.03), with a BMI≥25kg/m²(p=0.02) and with surgical times over 3.5hours (p=0.05) had increased HBL. Multivariate analysis determined BMI≥25kg/m² (OR 9.91; CI, 1.01-104.26; p=0.05) was associated with increased HBL. Allogenic blood transfusion was rare (4%) and associated with increased HBL (897±112mL vs. 540±402mL, p=0.05).

DISCUSSION

For patients undergoing PSF for AIS there is more HBL after wound closure than intraoperative blood loss. This HBL is higher in older patients who undergo longer operations and have a BMI≥25kg/m².

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective cohort study.

Tranexamic Acid in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemarthrosis after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures can delay rehabilitation and have toxic effects on the cartilage and synovium. Tranexamic acid is widely used in adult reconstruction procedures; however, its use in ACL reconstruction is a novel topic of study.

PURPOSE

To analyze the available literature on hemarthrosis, pain, functional outcomes, and complications after administration of tranexamic acid in ACL reconstruction procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

A literature search was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials examining the use of tranexamic acid at the time of ACL reconstruction procedures. The studied outcomes included postoperative joint drain output, hemarthrosis grade, visual analog scale scores for pain, range of motion, Lysholm score, postoperative rates of deep venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Outcomes were pooled to perform a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Five prospective randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria for analysis. Four studies administered intravenous tranexamic acid in bolus or infusion form before ACL reconstruction, while 2 studies administered tranexamic acid via intra-articular injection. Specifically, tranexamic acid was administered intravenously (preoperative 15-mg/kg bolus 10 minutes before tourniquet inflation with or without 10 mg/kg/h for 3 hours postoperatively) or intra-articularly (10 mL [100 mg/mL] intraoperatively), and 1 study consisted of tranexamic acid administration in combined intravenous and intra-articular forms (15-mg/kg bolus 10 minutes before tourniquet inflation and intra-articular 3 g 10 minutes before tourniquet deflation). Tranexamic acid use in ACL reconstruction cases resulted in a mean reduction of 61.5 mL in postoperative drain output at 24 hours (95% CI, -95.51 to -27.46; P = .0004), lower hemarthrosis grade (P < .00001), improved Lysholm scores, and reduction in visual analog scale scores for pain (-1.96 points; 95% CI, -2.19 to -1.73; P < .00001) extending to postoperative week 6. Range of motion was improved in the immediate postoperative period, and the need for joint aspiration within 2 weeks was reduced (P < .001). There was no difference in venous thromboembolic event rate between the experimental and control groups.

CONCLUSION

The use of intravenous tranexamic acid in ACL reconstruction surgery results in reduced joint drain output and hemarthrosis and improved pain scores and range of motion in the initial postoperative period without increased complications or thromboembolic events.

Risk Factors for Increased Surgical Drain Output After Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors for increased surgical drain output after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

METHODS

Patients who underwent TLIF in a single center from June 2017 to January 2020 were included in this study. They were divided into the increased surgical drain output group and no increased surgical drain output group according to the boundary of the median drain output. Patients' demographic and clinical parameters were compared between the 2 groups. Risk factors for increased surgical drain output were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 368 patients who underwent TLIF. Among them, 187 patients had increased surgical drain output (drain output ≥50th percentile or 480 mL). Univariate analysis showed that age (P < 0.001), smoking status (P = 0.002), number of fused levels (P < 0.001), intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.001), intraoperative end plate injury (P < 0.001), administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) (P = 0.002), and surgical duration (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased surgical drain output. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (P = 0.001), smoking (P = 0.005), more fused levels (P < 0.001), and intraoperative end plate injury (P = 0.017) were the independent risk factors, while administration of TXA (P = 0.012) was a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that older age, smoking, more fused levels, and intraoperative end plate injury were the independent risk factors, while administration of TXA was a protective factor for increased surgical drain output after TLIF.

Tranexamic Acid for Blood Loss after Transforaminal Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study

Background

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) may result in significant blood loss and an increase in blood transfusion. Though tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely studied for the hemostasis of arthroplasty, there is little information on the use of TXA for TLIF surgery.

Methods

This prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to study the influence of TXA (intravenous bolus of 10 mg/kg 15 minutes before skin incision followed by intravenous infusion of 6-8 mg/kg/h up to a total dose of 15 mg/kg during the surgery) on the blood loss and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) after TLIF surgery. 40 patients were randomized into two groups: TXA group (tranexamic acid) and control group (placebo). Baseline characteristics were comparable between the TXA group and the control group before the surgery. Outcomes assessed included blood loss, total postoperative drainage, time for drainage removal, time to ambulation, hospital stay after surgery, postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) one day after surgery, and adverse events.

Results

Compared to patients in the control group after TLIF surgery, patients in the TXA group have significantly reduced intraoperative hemorrhage and time to ambulation after surgery but show similar hospital stay, postoperative drainage, time for drainage removal, postoperative Hb one day after surgery, and adverse events.

Conclusions

TXA shows important ability in controlling blood loss and promoting the ERAS after TLIF surgery.

Quality and Safety Improvement in Spine Surgery

STUDY DESIGN

Review article.

OBJECTIVES

A narrative review of the literature on the current advances and limitations in quality and safety improvement initiatives in spine surgery.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE focusing on 3 preidentified concepts: (1) quality and safety improvement, (2) reporting of outcomes and adverse events, and (3) prediction model and practice guidelines. The search was conducted under appropriate subject headings and using relevant text words. Articles were screened, and manuscripts relevant to this discussion were included in the narrative review.

RESULTS

Quality and safety improvement remains a major research focus attracting investigators from the global spine community. Multiple databases and registries have been developed for the purpose of generating data and monitoring the progress of quality and safety improvement initiatives. The development of various prediction models and clinical practice guidelines has helped shape the care of spine patients in the modern era. With the reported success of exemplary programs initiated by the Northwestern and Seattle Spine Team, other quality and safety improvement initiatives are anticipated to follow. However, despite these advancements, the reporting metrics for outcomes and adverse events remain heterogeneous in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Constant surveillance and continuous improvement of the quality and safety of spine treatments is imperative in modern health care. Although great advancement has been made, issues with reporting outcomes and adverse events persist, and improvement in this regard is certainly needed.