EFFECTS OF TRANEXAMIC ACID ON COAGULATION AND FLAP SURVIVAL IN RATS

Objective: Tranexamic acid (TNA) is an antifibrinolytic agent which is used to decrease blood loss during surgery. In our study, we investigated the effects of TNA on the extent of flap necrosis using random flaps in rats. Our aim was to test the safety of TNA within flap surgery. Material and Method: Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into two groups with 7 rats in each group. For the first stage of the experiment, a “rat tail bleeding model” was used to measure time taken to stop bleeding. The measurement of bleeding time was repeated after an injection of 100 mg/kg TNA in the study group and 0.9% NaCl in the control group in equal volumes. The rats were sacrificed on the seventh postoperative day and the area of necrosis was measured. Results: The bleeding time became shorter in rats after the administration of TNA, while no such effect was observed in the control group. There was no difference between the two groups regarding the flap necrosis ratio. Conclusion: Our study shows that TNA administration does not have a negative effect on random flap survival in rats.