Evaluation of local tranexamic acid on septoplastic surgery quality

Even a small amount of bleeding during nose surgery can impair the surgeon's vision, prolong the duration of operation, and affect surgery quality; therefore, various techniques have been proposed to control the bleeding. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the local use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the dry field of surgery.

This randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was conducted in the operation room of Imam Reza Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from January 10, 2016 to February 8, 2017. Sixty patients with age range from 20 to 60 years and the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classes I candidates who require septoplasty enrolled. Patients were randomized through white and black cards to receive either syringes. Thirty patients in the intervention group received lidocaine + adrenaline + TXA and 30 patients in the control group received lidocaine + adrenaline. Bleeding volume accumulated in the suction chamber, the nasopharyngeal pack, and hemodynamic variations were measured. Surgeon's satisfaction scores and suitability of operation field were obtained from the surgeon by using the Likert scale and Boezaart grading scale, respectively.

The intervention group had a higher score of surgeon satisfaction [4.1 vs 3.16 in the control group (P = 0.001)] and fewer hemodynamic variations. The mean bleeding volume in the intervention was 187.23 ± 54.61 mL and in the control group was 341.22 ± 49.17 mL (P = 0.001). The mean Boezaart score (suitability of operation field) in the intervention group was 1.8 (score range: 1-3) and in the control group was 2.53 (score range: 2-4) and it was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

The local use of TXA + lidocaine + adrenaline is associated with reduced bleeding, greater surgeon satisfaction, reduced need for Karpol injection, and better hemodynamic stability.