• Cheng-Chung Wu, Wai-Meng Ho, Shao-Bin Cheng, Dah-Cherng Yeh, Mei-Chin Wen, Tse-Jia Liu, and Fang-Ku P'eng.
• Department of Surgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, and Department of Surgery, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. he@vghtc.gov.tw
• Ann. Surg. 2006 Feb 1; 243 (2): 173180173-80.

ObjectiveTo examine the feasibility of a real "blood transfusion"-free hepatectomy in a large group of patients with liver tumors.Summary Background DataBleeding control and blood transfusion remains problematic in liver resection. A real "blood transfusion"-free hepatectomy in a large group of patients has rarely been reported. The impact of tranexamic acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic agent, on blood transfusion in liver resection is unknown.MethodsA prospective double-blind randomized trial was performed on elective liver tumor resections. In group A, TA 500 mg was intravenously administered just before operation followed by 250 mg, every 6 hours, for 3 days. In group B, only placebo was given. The patients' background, blood transfusion rates, and early postoperative results in the 2 groups were compared. Factors that influenced blood requirement were analyzed.ResultsThere were 108 hepatectomies in group A and 106 hepatectomies in group B. The patients' backgrounds, operative procedures, and hepatectomy extent did not significantly differ between the 2 groups. Although the differences of the operative morbidity and postoperative stay were not significant, a significantly lower amount of operative blood loss, lower blood transfusion rate, shorter operative time, and lower hospital costs were found in group A patients. No patient in group A received blood transfusion. No hospital mortality occurred in either group. Tumor size and use of TA were independent factors that influenced blood transfusion.ConclusionsPerioperative parenteral use of TA reduced the amount of operative blood loss and the need for blood transfusion in elective liver tumor resection. A real "blood transfusion"-free hepatectomy may be feasible with the assistance of parenteral TA.

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