Topical tranexamic acid in spinal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a commonly used antifibrinolytic agent for perioperative blood conservation in several surgical specialties. Although historically administered intravenously, such systemic administration may be accompanied by severe side effects. Thus, the topical usage of TXA has been established in several fields but remains poorly evaluated in spine surgery. In this study, the authors aimed to review the medical literature on topical TXA usage in spine surgery to evaluate its safety and efficacy. We reviewed manuscripts and clinical trials exploring topical TXA usage in spine surgery published by April 1st, 2018. Postoperative blood loss volumes and hospitalization lengths of stay were evaluated with separate meta-analyses. We identified five articles and one unpublished clinical trial that were placebo-controlled and comprised 218 patients receiving topical TXA in spine surgery. Patients receiving topical TXA demonstrated significantly lower postoperative blood loss as compared to the placebo group (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] 2.21, 95% CI 0.79-3.62, p < 0.001) and had a lower hospitalization duration (MD 0.99, 95% CI 0.49-1.49, p < 0.001). Overall, topical TXA favorably reduced postoperative blood loss and hospitalization duration in patients undergoing spinal surgery. However, further randomized controlled trials will be needed to definitively establish the optimal therapeutic doses needed for hemorrhage management, and the pharmacodynamics of tTXA in spinal surgery.