Prospective, randomized, controlled trial of tranexamic acid in patients who undergo head and neck procedures.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if tranexamic acid could reduce the drainage duration after head and neck procedures.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
Patients who underwent head and neck operations were included. The study group was treated with tranexamic acid during the perioperative period whereas the control group received normal saline solution. Blood samples were also collected.


RESULTS
The study and control groups consisted of 26 and 29 patients, respectively. Although there was a significant difference in the drainage amount between the two groups, (49.7 vs 88.8 mL, P = 0.041), no significant difference could be found in the drainage duration between the two groups (2.69 vs 3.07 days, P = 0.146). There was also no significant difference in the coagulation profiles between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
We did not find a meaningful effect in reducing the drainage duration after head and neck procedures with the use of prophylactic tranexamic acid.
Chen
Chih-Cheng
CC
Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Wang
Chen-Chi
CC
Wang
Ching-Ping
CP
Lin
Tseng-Hsi
TH
Lin
Whe-Dar
WD
Liu
Shih-An
SA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014148:Tranexamic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D014148:Tranexamic Acid