Tranexamic Acid for Postoperative Outcomes in Breast Plastic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Pharmacology
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic antifibrinolytic agent with potential benefits in surgical settings.
• Its efficacy in plastic breast surgery specifically remains an area needing further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in improving postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing cosmetic plastic breast surgery.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL up to October 2023.
• Included studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).
• Results were pooled using a random effects model, presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

• Analysis of 8 studies with 2311 participants showed TXA significantly reduced hematoma formation (OR 0.37, p < 0.0001).
• No significant improvements were observed for seroma formation (p = 0.21), infection rates (p = 0.37), or nipple-areolar complex loss (p = 0.28).

Conclusions:

• Tranexamic acid demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing hematoma formation following breast surgery.
• TXA is a promising therapeutic option for enhancing outcomes in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures.