Topical Tranexamic Acid versus Autotransfusion after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Purpose To compare the use of topical tranexamic acid (TXA) with postoperative autologous transfusion (PAT) in terms of blood loss, need for allogeneic blood transfusion, and cost-effectiveness. Methods Records of 25 men and 125 women (mean age, 67 years) who underwent primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and were randomised to the PAT group (n=50), topical TXA group (n=50), or routine drainage group (control) [n=50] were reviewed. Pre- and post-operative haemoglobin level, total postoperative drainage volume, and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion were recorded. Results The 3 groups were comparable in terms of age, gender, and preoperative haemoglobin level. The total postoperative drainage volume was lower in the TXA group than the PAT or routine drainage groups (174.48 vs. 735 vs. 760 ml, p