Effect of oxytocin infusion on reducing the blood loss during abdominal myomectomy: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and safety of oxytocin to reduce blood loss during abdominal myomectomy.

Design: Double-blind randomised controlled trial.

Setting: Obstetrics and Gynecologic University Medical Centre.

Population: Eighty healthy women candidates for abdominal myomectomy.

Methods: Women were randomly assigned to two groups. In the study group (n = 40) oxytocin 30 IU in 500 ml normal saline; and in the placebo group (n = 40) pure normal saline was administered during myomectomy. The main outcome measures were peri-operative blood loss and rates of blood transfusion.

Main outcome measure: Estimated intra-operative blood loss.

Results: Estimated intra-operative blood loss in the study group (189.5 ± 16.72 ml) was significantly lower than the placebo group (692.25 ± 89.93 ml) (95% CI 672.54-711.96; P < 0.0001).The need for blood transfusion was significantly lower in the study group. Blood transfusions were required for three (7.5%) women in the study group and 10 (25%) women in the placebo group (95% CI 15.5-34.5; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Intra-operative oxytocin infusion appears to be safe and effective in decreasing blood loss during abdominal myomectomy.

Tweetable abstract: Intra-operative oxytocin is effective in decreasing blood loss during abdominal myomectomy.

Keywords: Abdominal myomectomy; blood transfusion; intra-operative blood loss; oxytocin.