Ketorolac May Increase Hematoma Risk in Reduction Mammaplasty: A Case-control Study

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Pharmacology
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has analgesic properties but a potential bleeding risk.
• The clinical significance of ketorolac's bleeding risk after reduction mammaplasty is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between ketorolac exposure and hematoma occurrence following breast reduction surgery.
• To test the hypothesis that ketorolac does not increase hematoma risk in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study design was employed, matching 40 hematoma cases with 40 controls.
• Patients were matched on age, body mass index, institution, and history of hypertension.
• Retrospective chart review identified ketorolac exposure, and an odds ratio (OR) was calculated.

Main Results:

• An association between ketorolac exposure and hematoma formation was observed (OR, 2.4).
• The association was not statistically significant (P = 0.114), with a wide confidence interval (0.8-7.4).
• Cases had a significantly lower body mass index than controls.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests a potential association between perioperative ketorolac use and hematoma after reduction mammaplasty.
• The observed association was not statistically significant, warranting further investigation.
• Larger studies are recommended to increase precision and potentially confirm the association.