Liver resection is a common surgical procedure for patients with liver conditions, but it often leads to the need for red blood cell transfusions. However, a recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that hypovolemic phlebotomy may be a beneficial approach to reduce the need for transfusions in these patients.
The study, led by Dr. Guillaume Martel from the University of Ottawa in Canada, compared the outcomes of patients who underwent hypovolemic phlebotomy before liver resection with those who received usual care. A total of 486 patients were randomly assigned to either receive hypovolemic phlebotomy or usual care. The results showed that patients who underwent hypovolemic phlebotomy had a significantly lower rate of perioperative red blood cell transfusions compared to those who received usual care.
Specifically, only 8 percent of patients in the hypovolemic phlebotomy group required red blood cell transfusions within 30 days after the surgery, compared to 16 percent in the usual care group. Additionally, the study found that there were no differences in the rates of severe complications or overall complications between the two groups.
The authors of the study concluded that hypovolemic phlebotomy before liver resection can lead to fewer red blood cell transfusions, which can ultimately improve patient outcomes. It is worth noting that some authors of the study have disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.
For more information on this study, you can refer to the publication in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of hypovolemic phlebotomy in patients undergoing liver resection.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of exploring alternative approaches to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions in surgical procedures like liver resection. By implementing hypovolemic phlebotomy, healthcare providers may be able to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risks associated with perioperative transfusions.
