Evaluation of Blood Loss after Early or Late Release of Ischemia in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement()

OBJECTIVE: compare blood loss in 40 patients underwent to unilateral total knee replacement with the release of ischemia before and after skin closure and compressive dressing. METHODS: in a prospective randomized study, in 40 patients underwent to total knee replacement, dividing then into two groups: group A in which the ischemia was released before skin closure, allowing bleeding control and group B where the ischemia was released after skin suture and pressure dressing. We compared the results of laboratory tests of serum hemoglobin before surgery and 48 hours postoperatively, the blood volume contained in vacuum suction drain and the transfusions that was necessary. RESULTS: As a result, the post operative serum hemoglobin levels had a mean decrease of 3.57 g/dL in group A and 4.24 g/dL in group B with an average of 0.67 g/dL difference between them, statistically insignificant. The observed mean drainage, in the vacuum drain, were 705 mL in group A and 700 mL in group B. The 5 ml difference between medians was considered statistically insignificant. The number of patients who received transfusions was four patients in both groups and all received two units of red blood cells. CONCLUSION: the post operative serum hemoglobin levels, as well as the need of blood transfusion, in the patient underwent to total knee replacement, where the ischemia was released before wound closure, has no statistical effect in comparison with patients where the sutures and bandages were done after the ischemia release. Level of Evidence IB - Individual randomized controlled trial with narrow confidence interval.