Ann Surg. 2025 May 21. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000006760. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of hypovolemic phlebotomy (HP) versus conventional management (control group) in achieving low central venous pressure (CVP) to reduce blood loss during open liver resections.
BACKGROUND: Excessive blood loss increases perioperative complications and worsen patient outcomes. HP is used to reduce blood loss and the need for allogenic transfusions. This study compares intraoperative blood loss between HP and conventional techniques in liver resection.
METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled trial, conducted between 2020 and 2024, evaluated intraoperative blood loss as the primary endpoint, with secondary endpoints of allogenic transfusion and postoperative outcomes.
RESULTS: One hundred participants were randomized to either HP or control groups, with similar baseline characteristics. The HP group had significantly lower blood loss during parenchymal transection (300 (250-500) vs. 500 (300-750) mL, difference = 150, 95% CI [50, 275]; P = 0.02), shorter time to achieve low CVP (50 (30-100) vs. 107.5 (45-150) minutes, difference = -75.0, 95% CI [-95.0, -56.0]; P = 0.01), and a lower surgical bleeding score (2 (1-3) vs. 2 (2-4), difference = -1.0, 95% CI [-1.0, -0.5]; P = 0.01). Transfusion rates and postoperative complications were similar. HP was an independent protective against blood loss > 500 mL (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI [0.04-0.80]; P = 0.02).
CONCLUSIONS: HP significantly reduces intraoperative blood loss and enhances bleeding control by achieving low CVP more quickly. It is an effective technique for minimizing blood loss and improving outcomes in open liver resections.
PMID:40396243 | DOI:10.1097/SLA.0000000000006760
