Joseph Benjamin Yida Kang, Kenon Chua, Andy Khye Soon Yew, William Yeo and Hee Nee Pang
Introduction: To determine the effect of bipolar sealant on transfusion rates in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the direct anterior approach (DAA).
Methods: Fifty-nine patients in total were recruited for the study. The first group (n:37) underwent THA DAA using the conventional bipolar diathermy and the second (n:22) group underwent THA DAA with the aid of aquamantys bipolar sealant. Mean difference in postoperative drop in haemoglobin levels were charted and transfusion rates were compared. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 2.0 software for windows.
Results: The use of bipolar sealants did not significantly reduce hemoglobin drop (p>0.05). It did, however, significantly reduce the rate of transfusion (p=0.013)
Conclusion: Our study suggests that the use of bipolar sealants were superior to conventional bipolar cautery in patients undergoing primary THA using the DAA, causing a significant drop in the need for post-operative packed cell transfusions. Hence, the use of bipolar sealant is recommended in primary THA using the DAA.
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