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Timing of re-transfusion drain removal following total knee replacement
M F Leeman1, M L Costa, E Costello
1Department of Orthopaedics & Trauma Surgery, Addenbrooke's NHS Trust, Cambridge, UK.
Introduction:
The use of postoperative drains following total knee replacement (TKR) has recently been modified by the use of re-transfusion drains. The aim of our study was to investigate the optimal time for removal of re-transfusion drains following TKR.
Patients And Methods:
The medical records of 66 patients who had a TKR performed between October 2003 and October 2004 were reviewed; blood drained before 6 h and the total volume of blood drained was recorded.
Results:
A total of 56 patients had complete records of postoperative drainage. The mean volume of blood collected in the drain in the first 6 h was 442 ml. The mean total volume of blood in the drain was 595 ml. Therefore, of the blood drained, 78% was available for transfusion.
Conclusion:
Re-transfusion drains should be removed after 6 h, when no further re-transfusion is permissible.
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