Use of Tranexamic Acid in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy Reduces Rates of Postoperative Hematoma and Seroma

A systematic review and meta-analysis of systematic and topical tranexamic acid administration in aesthetic plastic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Tranexamic acid has been widely used in plastic surgery. However, its efficacy has yet to be fully established. This meta-analysis aimed to determine its effectiveness in aesthetic plastic surgery.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a meta-analysis of prospective randomised clinical trials that compared the effects of topical or systematic administration of tranexamic acid versus the control group in aesthetic plastic surgeries. The study was registered on the International Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and is available online ( www.crd.york.uk/prospero , CRD42023492585).

RESULTS

Eleven studies encompassing 960 patients were included for the synthesis after critical evaluation. Systematic (MD - 18.05, 95% Cl, - 22.01, - 14.09, p < 0.00001) and topical (MD - 74.93, 95% Cl, - 88.79, - 61.07, p < 0.00001) administration of tranexamic acid reduced total blood loss. Topical tranexamic acid reduced drainage output (p < 0.0006).

CONCLUSION

Tranexamic acid reduced blood loss in aesthetic plastic surgery. More strictly defined RCTs, using high-quality methodology, are needed to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of tranexamic acid in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Outcomes of enhanced recovery protocols and tranexamic acid on double-incision versus periareolar gender-affirming mastectomy: A retrospective study of postoperative outcomes

INTRODUCTION

The effects of enhanced recovery protocols and use of tranexamic acid (TXA) to reduce postoperative complications after periareolar and double-incision (DIM) gender-affirming mastectomies have not been previously described. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of our ERP including use of liposomal bupivacaine [Exparel] in these cases, assess the efficacy of TXA in reducing postoperative complications, and compare need for revisionary surgery between periareolar and DI mastectomy techniques.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review from November 2017 to June 2022 was performed. Data were collected on patient demographics, operative data, and postoperative outcomes including complications and revisions. Morphine milligram equivalent was used to assess opioid use after surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 260 patients were included: 240 (92.3%) patients in the DI and 20 (7.7%) patients in the periareolar group. Thirty-five (7.3%) breasts in the DIM group and five (12.5%) breasts in the periareolar cohort developed complications (p = 0.220). Significantly more breasts in the periareolar cohort developed hematomas (12.5% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.011). Sixteen (3.3%) breasts in the DIM group developed seromas. Significantly more breasts in the periareolar group required revisionary surgery (15.0% vs. 5.2%, p = 0.025). Patients who received intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine [Exparel] had fewer opioids intraoperatively (p = 0.019) and at discharge (p < 0.001). Use of TXA did not affect rates of complications including hematoma or seroma.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, complication rates for periareolar and DIM are similar. However, the periareolar technique results in a significantly higher rate of hematomas and revisionary surgery. Use of intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine [Exparel] resulted in significantly lower opioid use. Lastly, use of topical TXA did not lower the risk of postoperative hematoma or seroma.