The Usefulness of Postoperative Tranexamic Acid in Primary Breast Augmentation with Implants

Abstract

Aims: Tranexamic acid, an anti-fibrinolytic agent, is being widely used surgery because of its effect on blood loss decrease.  However, few articles have analyzed its use in plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of oral administration of tranexamic acid on postoperative drainage volumes following primary breast augmentation. Methodology: A total of 60 patients were included in this case-control study over a period of 17 months. Patients were divided into two equal groups.  The case group received 2 g of oral tranexamic acid per day while the control group received no treatment.  A record of the main data (study population characteristics, location and type of implant, duration of surgery, mean arterial  pressure at surgery, volume in the drains, length of hospital stay and complications) was made. Results: Oral administration of tranexamic acid significantly reduced drain volumes by 20% at day 1 (40 mL in the control group versus 30 mL in the case group/p<0.0001) and increased the number of patients discharged at day 1 by 44% (43% in the control group versus 87% in the case group). There were no treatment-related side effects. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, implant placement and perioperative blood pressure. At the last follow up, there was no significant difference in terms of periprosthetic capsular contracture. Conclusion: Oral administration of TXA is a major contribution to therapies to reduce post-operative bleeding and probably the length of hospital stay.