Nondrainage decreases blood transfusion need and infection rate in bilateral total knee arthroplasty

J Arthroplasty. 2014 May;29(5):993-7. doi: 10.1016/j.arth.2013.10.022. Epub 2013 Oct 29.

Abstract

This retrospective study enrolled 526 patients undergoing bilateral total knee arthroplasties at our institution. In nondrainage group (Group 1) of 255 patients (510 knees), a disposable elastic sterile exsanguination tourniquet (HemaClear), wound closure in layers and Jones Bandage, without pre-tourniquet removal hemostasis or Hemovac drain were used. In drainage group (Group 2) of 227 patients (454 knees), pneumatic tourniquet, post-deflation hemostasis, a Hemovac drain and Jones bandage were used. The maximal drop in hemoglobin was significantly greater in Group 2 than Group 1 (P < 0.001). Also infection rate was significantly lower in Group 1 (P = 0.017). The use of sterile tourniquet removed after wound closure without Hemovac drain decreases blood transfusion need, infection rate, tourniquet related pain and postoperative complications.

Keywords: Hemovac drain; blood loss; infection rate.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / methods*
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infections / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Suction / adverse effects*