Effect of topical application of tranexamic acid on blood loss in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Retrospective controlled study included 38 patients underwent reconstructive surgery on the ascending aorta. 12 patients of the main group received 100 ml of a 2% solution of tranexamic acid by irrigation of the pericardial cavity and the surrounding mediastinal tissues before closing the sternum. The control group included 26 patients who were studied retrospectively. The effectiveness of topical tranexamic acid was evaluated by drainages blood loss volumes at first 24 h, the numbers of blood and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) units were transfused in the postoperative period, and the patient’s length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The drainages blood loss volume at first 24 h was significantly different between main and control groups: 220 (130; 290) mL vs 340 (160, 650) mL respectively, p = 0,004. There was no significant difference between the groups in the numbers of blood and FFP units were transfused in the ICU. Patients of the main groups spent less time in the ICU compared with the control group: 36 (24 and 72) h vs 60 (48, 144) h, p = 0,007. The topical application of tranexamic acid by irrigation of the pericardial cavity before closing the sternum in patients undergoing reconstructive surgery on the ascending aorta, reduces blood loss in the postoperative period.