Tranexamic Acid in Tumescence for Cervicofacial Rhytidectomies

Abstract

Background: Cervicofacial rhytidectomies are one of the most common procedures in the United States. There are many different methods and techniques involved, but all aim to minimize blood loss and procedure time. In our study, we investigated the addition of tranexamic acid (TXA) to tumescent anesthesia during rhytidectomy procedures. Our objective was to analyze the difference in mean procedure time and estimated blood loss in patients undergoing both general and other anesthesia types, with and without the addition of TXA, while maintaining patient safety. Methods: Seventy-four patients underwent a standard superficial musculoaponeurotic system plication technique rhytidectomy, with 60 patients undergoing general anesthesia and the remaining 14 undergoing other anesthesia types. Forty patients were treated without TXA, whereas the remaining 34 were treated with TXA. Results: Although the difference was not statistically significant, the addition of TXA resulted in a lower procedure time and estimated blood loss. Within anesthesia type, there was also a slight difference that TXA decreased blood loss and procedure time. We did find that general anesthesia type does significantly impact procedure time and estimated blood loss, when compared with other anesthesia types, independent of TXA use. Conclusion: The use of tumescent TXA may allow for a faster procedure with less blood loss, although further studies with a larger sample size are needed.