Postoperative autotransfusion drain after total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

This report has been verified by one or more authors of the original publication.

13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of postoperative autotransfusion drains following total hip arthroplasty (THA) in comparison to closed-suction drains. Outcomes included the allogeneic transfusion rate (n=13 RCTs), total blood loss (n=2 RCTs), postoperative hemoglobin levels on day 1 (n=5 RCTs), day 2 (n=2 RCTs), and day 3 (n=5 RCTs), duration of hospital stay (n=6 RCTs), febrile reaction (n=5 RCTs), infections (n=5 RCTs), wound complications (n=5 RCTs), and the incidence of serious adverse events (n=3 RCTs). The pooled results of this meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in the allogeneic transfusion rate and total blood loss in the postoperative autotransfusion drain group. Additionally, this group had significantly higher hemoglobin levels on postoperative day 1 compared to the closed-suction drain group. Results were comparable between groups for all other measured outcomes.