Calculated Versus Estimated Blood Loss in Plastic Breast Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Estimated blood loss (EBL) is subjective and often inaccurate.
• Calculated blood loss (CBL) provides a more objective and accurate measure of blood volume lost.
• Accurate blood loss assessment is crucial for guiding patient care and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare Estimated Blood Loss (EBL) with Calculated Blood Loss (CBL) in plastic surgery.
• To identify discrepancies between visual estimation and objective measurement of blood loss.
• To evaluate the reliability of CBL as an alternative to EBL.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 35 plastic surgery patients.
• Procedures included DIEP flaps, oncoplastic surgery, breast reductions, and mastectomies.
• Comparison of EBL and CBL data from multiple surgeons.

Main Results:

• Surgeons significantly underestimated blood loss (median EBL 250 cc vs. CBL 388 cc).
• A senior surgeon showed less underestimation compared to a junior surgeon.
• Complex procedures like DIEP flaps and breast surgeries had higher CBL and greater EBL-CBL discrepancies.

Conclusions:

• Surgeons tend to underestimate blood loss, with variations based on experience and procedure complexity.
• Calculated blood loss (CBL) is a more reliable measure than EBL.
• CBL should be considered a valuable alternative for accurate blood loss assessment in plastic surgery.