-
1.
Clinical Applications of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Brown, S., Brown, T., Rohrich, R. J.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery. 2024
Abstract
PURPOSE Tranexamic Acid (TXA) has gained increasing recognition as a valuable pharmacologic agent within plastic surgery. This study reviews the scientific evidence regarding the use of TXA in the full range of plastic and reconstructive surgery to provide clinical recommendations regarding for safe and effective use in various plastic surgical procedures. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. An established appraisal process was used to rate the quality of articles (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology). RESULTS Forty-five studies describing the use of TXA in plastic surgery were included. There is moderate-certainty evidence to support the use of intravenous administration of TXA in craniofacial surgery procedures to reduce blood-loss and transfusion requirements. There is high-certainty evidence to support the use of TXA in cosmetic surgery and intravenous administration in rhinoplasty procedures to reduce blood-loss. Further high-level studies are needed to determine TXA's effects on hematoma rates in facelift surgery and breast-related procedures. There is moderate-certainty evidence to support the use of TXA in burn care. Further studies are required to provide quantitative conclusions on the effects of TXA administration in microsurgery. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study to date on the use of TXA in plastic surgery and the first to provide clinical recommendations. The literature highlights TXA's promising role in the fields of craniofacial surgery, cosmetic surgery and burn care. Standardized, objective measurements are required to provide quantitative conclusions regarding TXAs effects on ecchymoses and edema in cosmetic surgery procedures.
-
2.
Tranexamic Acid for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Hurley, E. T., Rodriguez, K., Karavan, M. P., Levin, J. M., Helmkamp, J., Anakwenze, O., Alaia, M. J., Klifto, C. S.
The American journal of sports medicine. 2024;:3635465231216336
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to assess the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the setting of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). However, these studies have shown mixed results, with some showing improved intraoperative visualization, subsequent operative times, and pain levels, and others finding no difference. PURPOSE To perform a systematic review of the RCTs in the literature to evaluate the use of TXA on ARCR. STUDY DESIGN Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS Two independent reviewers performed the literature search based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with a third author resolving any discrepancies. RCTs comparing TXA with a control in ARCR were included. Visualization, postoperative pain, operative time, pump pressures, and shoulder swelling were evaluated. A P value < .05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS Six RCTs with 450 patients were included in this review. Overall, 5 studies evaluated intraoperative visualization, with 3 studies finding a significant difference in favor of TXA. With TXA, patients had a lower mean postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score of 3.3, and with the control, patients had a mean VAS score of 4.1, which was statistically significant (P = .001). With TXA, the mean weighted operation time was 79.3 minutes, and with the control, the mean operation time was 88.8 minutes, which was statistically significant (P = .001). No study found any difference in intraoperative pump pressures or swelling. CONCLUSION TXA improved visualization, operative time, and subsequent postoperative pain levels in patients undergoing ARCR.
-
3.
Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) is non-inferior to intravenous TXA in adult spine surgery: a meta-analysis
Mitha, R., Colan, J. A., Hernandez-Rovira, M. A., Jawad-Makki, M. H., Patel, R. P., Elsayed, G. A., Shaw, J. D., Okonkwo, D. O., Buell, T. J., Hamilton, D. K., et al
Neurosurgical review. 2024;47(1):48
Abstract
Tranexamic acid (TXA) has long been utilized in spine surgery and can be administered through intravenous (IV) and topical routes. Although, topical and IV administration of TXA are both effective in decreasing blood loss during spine surgery, complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism have been reported with the use of intravenous TXA (ivTXA). These potential complications may be mitigated through the use of topical TXA (tTXA). To assess optimal dosing protocols and efficacy of topical TXA in spine surgery, Embase, Ovid-MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov were queried for original research on the use of tTXA in adult patients undergoing spine surgery. Data parameters analyzed included blood loss, transfusion rate, thromboembolic, and other complications. Data was synthesized and confidence evaluated according to the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Nineteen studies were included in the final analysis with 2197 patients. Of the 18 published studies, 9 (50%) displayed high levels of evidence. Topical TXA showed a trend towards a lower risk of transfusion and complications. Protocols that used 1g tTXA showed a significantly reduced risk for transfusion when compared to controls (risk ratio -1.05, 95% CI (-1.62, -0.48); P = 0.94, I(2) = 0%). Complications associated with tTXA included DVTs and wound infections. Topical TXA was non-inferior to intravenous TXA with similar efficacy and complication profiles for bleeding control in spine surgery; however, more studies are needed to discern benefits and risks.
-
4.
The effect of tranexamic acid and adrenaline on visual clarity during arthroscopic shoulder surgery: A meta-analysis of RCTs
Malik, S. S., Tahir, M., Jordan, R. W., Kwapisz, A., Alessandro, P., Donald, P. M., Woodmass, J.
Orthopaedics & traumatology, surgery & research : OTSR. 2024;:103844
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Visual clarity in in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is essential to reduce the operative time and for efficiency of repair. Tranexamic acid (TXA) in open shoulder surgery has been shown to reduce blood loss but its use in shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair for improved clarity is not understood. The purpose of this SR is to determine the effect of TXA and epinephrine on visual clarity in shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff repair. HYPOTHESIS We hypothesise that visual clarity should improve in those that have TXA compared to those who do not receive TXA. METHODS A review of the online databases MEDLINE and Embase was conducted on 8th October 2022 according to PRISMA guidelines. The review was registered prospectively in the PROSPERO database. Randomised clinical trials reporting visual clarity and/or, operative time, volume of irrigation fluid used and mean arterial pressure were included. The studies were appraised using the CONSORT tool. RESULTS Seven studies met eligible criteria, all of which were double blinded RCTs. Five studies reported no difference in visual clarity between TXA vs saline, while two reported a significant improvement with TXA. Pooling of data showed that visual clarity was significantly better in the TXA group vs saline, on a standardised 10-point Likert scale (mean difference 0.73 points, p= 0.03). However, the use of adrenaline was reported in two studies and its administration offered significantly better visual clarity than TXA (mean difference 0.9 points, p=0.02). There was no significant difference with TXA use in MAP (mean difference 1.2mmHg, p= 0.14), operative time (mean difference 6.8 minutes, p= 0.11), irrigation volume used (mean difference 0.2L, p=0.88), or post-operative pain (mean difference 3.89 on a 0-100 VAS, p= 0.34). CONCLUSION The use of TXA in shoulder arthroscopy has shown to have significantly improved visual clarity in comparison to saline irrigation alone. This may not necessarily result in a significant clinical difference and may not translate to significantly less operative time or post-operative pain score. Furthermore, adrenaline use alone offers significantly better clarity than TXA. There may not be an added benefit to give both, but this area requires further research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II; Systematic review.
-
5.
Tranexamic acid in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abdallah, Z., Staibano, P., Zhou, K., Khalife, S., Nguyen, T. B. V., Sommer, D. D.
International forum of allergy & rhinology. 2023
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) approaches have revolutionized the management of sinonasal and intracranial pathology. Maintaining surgical hemostasis is essential as bleeding can obscure visibility of the surgical field, thus increasing surgical duration, risk of complications and procedural failure. Tranexamic acid (TXA) acts to reduce bleeding by inhibiting fibrin degradation. This review aims to assess whether TXA improves surgical field quality and reduces intraoperative blood loss compared to control. METHODS We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception until September 1, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias 2. Data was pooled using a random effect model, with continuous data presented as mean difference and dichotomous data presented as odds ratio. RESULTS Seventeen ESS RCTS (n = 1377) and one ESBS RCT (n = 50) were reviewed. Significant improvement in surgical field quality was achieved with both systemic TXA (six studies, p < 0.00001) and topical TXA (six studies, p = 0.01) compared to control. Systemic TXA (eight studies) and topical TXA (three studies) both achieved a significant reduction in intraoperative blood loss compared to control (p< 0.00001). There were significant differences in operative times (p < 0.001) but no significant difference in perioperative outcomes (p = 0.30). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis demonstrated that administration of TXA in ESS can improve surgical field quality and reduce intraoperative blood loss. TXA use did not result in increased perioperative complications including thrombotic events. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
-
6.
Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Topical Intrapleural Application of Tranexamic Acid in Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Alzahrani, A., Alkofide, H., Joharji, H., Korayem, G. B., Aljohani, S., Alshareef, H., AlFaifi, M., Alalawi, H., Sulaiman, K. A.
Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis. 2023;29:10760296231218215
-
-
-
Free full text
-
Editor's Choice
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Bleeding remains a common complication post-thoracic surgery. Although intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to decrease blood loss, its use has been associated with adverse effects. Accordingly, topical TXA has been proposed as an alternative to reduce bleeding with fewer systemic complications. METHODS We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing topical TXA versus control (i.e., placebo) in patients undergoing thoracic procedures. The primary outcome was total postoperative blood loss at 24 hours. Secondary outcomes included were the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Meta-analyses were pooled using mean difference with inverse-variance weighting and random-effects. RESULTS Out of the 575 unique studies that were screened, we identified three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 399 patients. Out of the three RCTs analyzed, two studies, accounting for 67% of the total, were found to have a low risk of bias. The primary outcome of 24-h post-operative blood loss was significantly lower in patients who received TXA (mean difference [MD] -93.6 ml, 95% CI -121.8 to -65.4 ml, I(2 )= 45%). In addition, the need for RBC transfusion was significantly lower in the topical TXA group compared to control (MD -0.5 units, 95% CI -0.8 to -0.3 units, I(2 )= 60%). However, there was no significant difference in the hospital length of stay (LOS) (MD -0.3 days, 95% CI -0.9 to 0.4 days, I(2 )= 0%). These results remained consistent after several sensitivity analyses. The use of topical intrapleural tranexamic acid has also been found to be safe without any significant safety concerns. CONCLUSION Topical intrapleural TXA reduces blood loss and the need for blood transfusions during thoracic surgery. In addition, there is no evidence of the increased safety concerns associated with its use. Larger trials are necessary to validate these findings and evaluate the safety and efficacy of different dosages.
PICO Summary
Population
Patients undergoing thoracic surgery procedures (3 randomised controlled trials, n= 399).
Intervention
Topical intrapleural tranexamic acid (TXA).
Comparison
Placebo.
Outcome
The primary outcome of postoperative blood loss at 24 hours was significantly lower in patients who received TXA (mean difference [MD] -93.6 ml; 95% CI [-121.8, -65.4 ml], I(2)= 45%). The need for red blood cell transfusion was significantly lower in the topical TXA group compared to control (MD -0.5 units; 95% CI [-0.8, -0.3 units], I(2)= 60%). There was no significant difference in the hospital length of stay, (MD -0.3 days; 95% CI [-0.9, 0.4 days], I(2)= 0%). These results remained consistent after several sensitivity analyses.
-
7.
Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Orthognathic Surgery: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
AlQahtani, F. A., Kuriadom, S. T., Varma, S., AlAnzy, H., AlOtaibi, S.
Journal of stomatology, oral and maxillofacial surgery. 2023;:101592
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to review the currently available evidence on the effectiveness of administering tranexamic acid (TXA) to patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. METHODS A study protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Guideline for Overviews of Reviews (PRIOR) and registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under Registration No. CRD42021232931. Furthermore, the reporting of the present systematic review was performed based on the PRISMA checklist. RESULTS The search strategy yielded a total of 50 articles. After reading the abstracts, 28 articles were excluded, and the English full texts of the remaining 22 studies were separately examined for eligibility by two authors; 15 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, seven systematic reviews and meta-analysis satisfied the criteria for inclusion and were processed for critical review evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Within the limits of the present study and the reviews of the 7 articles included, it is observed that TXA is able to reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss and the amount of irrigation fluids required. However, it does not influence postoperative levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit, nor does it affect the requirement for blood transfusions. It was interestingly discovered that TXA could increase the quality of the surgical site. These data imply that TXA may be an effective adjuvant in lowering bleeding during orthognathic surgery. As a result, the potential risk of problems related with considerable blood loss may be minimized.
-
8.
Effect of Tranexamic Acid on the Reduction of Blood Loss in Craniosynostosis Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Alabdulkarim, A., Al Qurashi, A. A., Odeh, N. B., Hashemi, A. S. A., Arbili, L. M., AlSwealh, M. S., Shakir, M. N., Banser, S. M., Sharaf, L. A., Alkhonizy, S. W., et al
Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open. 2023;11(6):e5021
Abstract
Although many published studies have investigated the benefits of tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative bleeding, no large meta-analysis has been conducted to demonstrate its overall benefit. METHODS A systematic review was performed by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTraisl.Gov, and Scopus databases were searched for articles reporting the benefit of TXA in reducing perioperative bleeding in craniosynostosis surgery from establishment through October 2022. The results of our meta-analysis were pooled across the studies using a random-effects model, and presented as a weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). RESULTS The database search yielded 3207 articles, of which 27 studies with a corresponding number of 9696 operations were eligible. The meta-analysis included only 18 studies, accounting for 1564 operations. Of those operations, 882 patients received systemic TXA, whereas 682 patients received placebo (normal saline), no intervention, low dose TXA, or other control substances. This meta-analysis demonstrated a significant beneficial effect of TXA in reducing perioperative bleeding, particularly when compared with other controlled substances, with a weighted mean difference of -3.97 (95% CI = -5.29 to -2.28). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the largest meta-analysis in the literature investigating the benefit of TXA in reducing perioperative blood loss in craniosynostosis surgery. We encourage implementing TXA-protocol systems in hospitals after the appraisal of the data presented in this study.
-
9.
A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Facelift Surgery
Al-Hashimi, M., Kaur, P., Charles, W., Bhasta, M., Nahai, F., Khajuria, A.
Aesthetic surgery journal. 2023
Abstract
Tranexamic acid (TXA) has become widely utilized in different specialities including facelift surgery. To robustly evaluate the quality of available evidence on the efficacy and safety of TXA use in facelift surgery. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, Google Scholar, Science Citation Index and LILAC databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies. Primary outcomes were blood loss, post-operative hematoma, ecchymosis, and swelling, in addition to technical considerations and complications. We assessed reviews quality using the AMSTAR 2 tool, studies quality using GRADE, and risk of bias using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool for RCTs and ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies. Of the 368 articles, a total of three studies including 150 patients met the inclusion criteria. The RCT reported a significant reduction in postoperative serosanguineous collections in the TXA group (p < 0.01), and the surgeon rated postoperative ecchymosis and bruising. The prospective cohort study reported reduced drainage output in first 24 hours in the TXA group (P < 0.01). The retrospective cohort study reported lower intraoperative blood loss, mean POD1 drain output, percentage of drain removal on POD1 and number of days to drain removal the TXA group (all, p < 0.01). The quality of studies was moderate, and this review was the highest rated compared to previous reviews, as per the AMSTAR2 tool. Based on limited literature, TXA improves clinical outcomes regardless of the route of administration. Topical TXA is an emerging route, expediting drain removal and reducing blood loss. Future Level I high-quality studies are required.
-
10.
Tranexamic acid use in meningioma surgery - A systematic review and meta-analysis
Clynch AL, Gillespie CS, Richardson GE, Mustafa MA, Islim AI, Keshwara SM, Bakhsh A, Kumar S, Zakaria R, Millward CP, et al
Journal of clinical neuroscience : official journal of the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia. 2023;110:53-60
Abstract
Tranexamic Acid (TXA) has been used in medical and surgical practice to reduce haemorrhage. The aim of this review was to evaluate the effect of TXA use on intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of meningioma surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021292157). Six databases were searched up to November 2021 for phase 2-4 control trials or cohort studies, in the English language, examining TXA use during meningioma surgery. Studies ran outside of dedicated neurosurgical departments or centres were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Random effects meta-analysis were performed to delineate differences in operative and postoperative outcomes. Four studies (281 patients) were included. TXA use significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (mean difference 315.7 mls [95% confidence interval [CI] -532.8, -98.5]). Factors not affected by TXA use were transfusion requirement (odds ratio = 0.52; 95% CI 0.27, 0.98), operation time (mean difference = -0.2 h; 95% CI -0.8, 0.4), postoperative seizures (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.88; 95% CI 0.31, 2.53), hospital stay (mean difference = -1.2; 95% CI -3.4, 0.9) and disability after surgery (OR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.23, 1.06). The key limitations of this review were the small sample size, limited data for secondary outcomes and a lack of standardised method for measuring blood loss. TXA use reduces blood loss in meningioma surgery, but not transfusion requirement or postoperative complications. Larger trials are required to investigate the impact of TXA on patient-reported postoperative outcomes.