Comparison of visually estimated blood loss with direct hemoglobin measurement in multilevel spine surgery.

dc.contributor.author

Guinn, Nicole R

dc.contributor.author

Broomer, Bob W

dc.contributor.author

White, William

dc.contributor.author

Richardson, William

dc.contributor.author

Hill, Steven E

dc.date.accessioned

2024-08-15T13:13:35Z

dc.date.available

2024-08-15T13:13:35Z

dc.date.issued

2013-11

dc.description.abstract

Background

Estimates of blood loss in the operating room are typically performed as a visual assessment by providers, despite multiple studies showing this to be inaccurate. Use of a less subjective measurement of blood loss such as direct measurement of the hemoglobin (Hb) mass lost from the surgical field may better quantify surgical bleeding. The objective of this investigation was to compare anesthesiologist estimates of intraoperative blood loss with measured Hb loss.

Study design and methods

Sixty patients undergoing posterior spine surgery were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial comparing intraoperative blood loss using unipolar cautery alone or with use of a bipolar tissue sealant device. Hb concentration and fluid volume were measured from all surgical sponges, suction canisters, and the cell salvage device. Using the volume and concentration of Hb from each solution allowed calculation of Hb mass, which was converted into volume of blood lost and compared with estimates of blood loss documented by the anesthesia team. A single-sample t test of no difference was used to compare estimated with measured blood loss.

Results

Mean estimated blood loss exceeded measured blood loss by 246 mL (860 mL vs. 614 mL, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Estimated blood loss exceeded measured blood loss by 40% on average. The likely etiology of this discrepancy relates to the inability to visually determine Hb concentration of sanguineous solutions in suction canisters and surgical sponges. Ramifications of excessive bleeding estimates include unnecessary transfusion and overadministration of intravenous fluids, both of which may have deleterious effects.
dc.identifier.issn

0041-1132

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1537-2995

dc.identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10161/31393

dc.language

eng

dc.publisher

Wiley

dc.relation.ispartof

Transfusion

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10.1111/trf.12119

dc.rights.uri

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0

dc.subject

Spine

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Humans

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Blood Loss, Surgical

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Hemoglobins

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Prospective Studies

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Adult

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Aged

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Aged, 80 and over

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Middle Aged

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Female

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Male

dc.title

Comparison of visually estimated blood loss with direct hemoglobin measurement in multilevel spine surgery.

dc.type

Journal article

duke.contributor.orcid

Guinn, Nicole R|0000-0001-6073-6317

pubs.begin-page

2790

pubs.end-page

2794

pubs.issue

11

pubs.organisational-group

Duke

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School of Medicine

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Clinical Science Departments

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Anesthesiology

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Anesthesiology, Neuroanesthesia

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Orthopaedic Surgery

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University Institutes and Centers

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Duke Global Health Institute

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Neurosurgery

pubs.publication-status

Published

pubs.volume

53

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