Blood loss and hematological recovery following reduction mammaplasty and dermolipectomy: a prospective study

A study was made to assess the impact of surgery on the hematological status and postoperative hematological recovery of 75 consecutive patients undergoing either reduction mammaplasty or dermolipectomy. Blood losses were estimated the morning after surgery, measuring decreases in hemoglobin level and hematocrit, while postoperative recovery was evaluated in terms of hemoglobin level and hematocrit at 10 weeks. The postoperative hemoglobin decrease was 2.69 g%, and the hematocrit dropped 7.25%. By 10 weeks, however, the patients had recovered their preoperative values. We found no significant differences in the evolution of hemoglobin level and hematocrit during the study between reduction mammaplasty and dermolipectomy patients. A significant positive correlation between surgical piece weight and postoperative reduction in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit was observed. Conversely, at 10 weeks, a significant but negative correlation between surgical specimen weight and hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit was recorded. The anticipated weight of the surgical piece could thus be used as a predictor of intraoperative blood loss and of the speed of postoperative recovery. Since patients with surgical resection of > 3 kg remained anemic at 10 weeks, oral iron supplements could benefit this subset of patients.