Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Application of Hemostatic Devices in Laparoscopic Hepatectomy
Published on: April 19, 2022
Preoperative tranexamic acid does not reduce transfusion rates in major oncologic surgery: Results of a randomized,
Gerald Paul Wright1,2, Andrea M Wolf1,2, Tracy L Waldherr3
1Division of Surgical Oncology, Spectrum Health Medical Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Background And Objectives:
Allogeneic blood transfusions are associated with worse postoperative outcomes in oncologic surgery. The aim of this study was to introduce a preoperative intervention to reduce transfusion rates in this population.
Methods:
Adult patients undergoing major oncologic surgery in five categories with similar transfusion rates were recruited. Enrollees received a single preoperative intravenous dose of placebo or tranexamic acid (1000 mg). The primary outcome measure was perioperative transfusion rate. Secondary outcome measures included: estimated blood loss, thromboembolic events, morbidity, hospital length of stay, and readmission rate.
Results:
Seventy-six patients were enrolled, 39 in the tranexamic acid group and 37 in the placebo group, respectively. Demographics and surgery type were equivalent between groups. The transfusion rates were 8 out of 39 (20.5%) in the tranexamic acid group and 5 out of 37 (13.5%) in the placebo group, respectively (P = .418). Median estimated blood loss was 400 mL (interquartile range [IQR] = 150-600) in the tranexamic acid group compared with 300 mL (IQR = 150-800) in the placebo group (P = .983). There was one pulmonary embolism in each arm and no deep venous thrombosis (P > .999).
Conclusion:
Preoperative administration of tranexamic acid at a 1000 mg intravenous dose does not decrease transfusion rates or estimated blood loss in patients undergoing major oncologic surgery.
