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Updated: Sep 16, 2026

Application of Hemostatic Devices in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy
Published on: April 19, 2022
Desmopressin does not decrease blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing hepatectomy
Andrew Y C Wong1, Michael G Irwin, Theresa W C Hui
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, China. ayc_wong@hotmail.com
Purpose:
To determine the effects of desmopressin on coagulation and blood loss in patients undergoing elective partial hepatectomy.
Methods:
A randomized, controlled and double-blind study on 59 patients who received either 0.3 micro g x kg(-1) of desmopressin or an equal volume of normal saline (control) infused intravenously over 20 min after induction of general anesthesia.
Results:
There was an increase in plasma levels of factors VIII and von Willebrand after the infusion of study drug in both groups (P < 0.001). The activated partial thromboplastin time was shortened in Group D whereas prothrombin time was prolonged in Group C; (P = 0.02). A large range of intraoperative blood loss (400-7128 mL) was observed, with no significant differences between groups. There were no changes in plasma electrolyte levels or osmolality. Transfusion requirements were similar in both groups.
Conclusion:
Desmopressin did not reduce intraoperative blood loss or transfusion requirements during hepatectomy despite raising clotting factor levels and improving tests of hemostasis.
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