[Effect of autologous drained blood reinfusion on hidden blood loss and limb swelling following rivaroxaban anticoagulation for primary total hip arthroplasty]

Abstract

Objective: To study the effect of autologous drained blood reinfusion on hidden blood loss and limb swelling following rivaroxaban anticoagulation for primary total hip arthroplasty.

Methods: From May, 2011 to October, 2012, 98 patients undergoing primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty received rivaroxaban therapy for prevention of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Forty-five of the patients used a drained blood reinfusion device (group A) and 53 patients did not (group B). Hidden blood loss and the maximal changes of postoperative circumferential length of the mid-thigh were measured and compared between the two groups.

Results: The mean total blood loss, the hidden blood loss, and the maximal changes of postoperative thigh circumference were 1591.1∓337.3 ml, 1591.1∓337.3 ml, and 5.1∓2.8 cm in group A, as compared to 1374.5∓317.3 ml, 467∓96.8 ml, 3.9∓1.4 cm in group B, respectively. The two groups showed a significant difference in the maximal changes of postoperative mid-thigh circumference (P<0.01) but not in hidden blood loss (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Reinfusion of autologous drained blood does not affect hidden blood loss but can increase limb swelling following primary total hip arthroplasty with rivaroxaban anticoagulation.