Tranexamic Acid: A Potential Adjunct to Resectoscopic Endometrial Ablation


Ergun B., Bastu E., Ozsurmeli M., Celik C.

INTERNATIONAL SURGERY, vol.97, no.4, pp.310-314, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 97 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.9738/cc149.1
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL SURGERY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.310-314
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a substantial cause of ill health in women worldwide. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of endometrial ablation using a modified urologic resectoscope along with tranexamic acid in AUB. Sixty patients were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent resectoscopic surgery. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 30) received 500 mg of tranexamic acid. Group 2 (n = 30) served as the control group and underwent surgery without the administration of tranexamic acid. Total pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) scores were significantly lower postoperatively (152.14 +/- 9.65 versus 6.6 +/- 0.90; P < 0.001). When stratified by the administration of tranexamic acid, the number of patients with a postoperative day 1 PBAC score <= 15 was higher in the tranexamic group (19 versus 13), whereas the number of patients with a post operative day 1 PBAC score >15 was lower in the tranexamic group (11 versus 17), but the differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). AUB is a complex disease that may need repeated treatments. In expert hands, the treatment rate of resectoscopic surgery seems acceptable. However, some patients may require additional interventions, like repeated surgery, hysterectomy, or a drug therapy in the long run. Introduction of tranexamic acid as a potential adjunct to rollerball endometrial ablation may present an interesting option that requires additional well-designed studies before firm conclusions can be made.