A novel blood-saving plan for less-invasive primary total hip replacement.

Abstract

We conducted a quality improvement program to examine the effect of a blood-saving plan during primary total hip replacement (THR) performed using a nonvascular less invasive approach (LI-THR) and compared the results with historical control subjects. Erythropoietin and tranexamic acid (TA) were administered for selected patients. Analysis of 221 (study group) and 186 (historic group) LI-THRs showed reductions in total blood loss by 20% in a group of 133 patients compared to a control group of 82 patients who did not receive TA. This novel blood plan for LI-THR changed practice, improved quality of care, and allowed all patients to remain blood transfusion free.