Tranexamic acid in plastic surgery: an Australian perspective
**Objective**: Within plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS), bleeding-related complications are common and often associated with unsatisfactory patient outcomes. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has recently garnered popularity as an inexpensive and effective antifibrinolytic for reducing blood loss associa...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Australasian Journal of Plastic Surgery |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.34239/ajops.124892 |
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| Summary: | **Objective**: Within plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS), bleeding-related complications are common and often associated with unsatisfactory patient outcomes. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has recently garnered popularity as an inexpensive and effective antifibrinolytic for reducing blood loss associated with surgery. There is a paucity of data on TXA use among plastic and reconstructive surgeons and in PRS procedures. This study aimed to identify a national picture of TXA use by Australian plastic and reconstructive surgeons and assess the current literature.
**Methods**: The authors conducted a 24-item online questionnaire using the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) application. A link to the questionnaire was distributed to all current members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
**Results**: The invitation to participate in the survey was sent to 543 Australian plastic and reconstructive surgeons, with 62 (11%) completing the questionnaire. The majority of respondents were from New South Wales and Victoria. Tranexamic acid is most commonly used in breast procedures, face/neck lifts and body contouring procedures (abdominoplasties, massive weight loss procedures). Intravenous (IV) and topical administrations are the most common, with 1 g IV boluses used most frequently. Perceived benefits of TXA use include reduced intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, reduced postoperative haematoma/seroma and improved surgical field.
**Conclusion**: This is the first study to provide a national picture of TXA use by Australian plastic and reconstructive surgeons. It has been adopted in many PRS procedures as an adjunct to reduce bleeding-related complications. Further research is necessary to create guidelines for dosing and administering TXA in PRS procedures. |
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| ISSN: | 2209-170X |