Total hip replacement surgery does not influence RBC survival

BACKGROUND: RBC survival may be affected by mechanical or oxidative stress as well as the inflammatory effect of surgery, and thus may contribute to postoperative anemia. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: RBC survival was studied in otherwise healthy patients who underwent total hip replacement (THR). RBCs of five patients scheduled for elective THR surgery were labeled with 51Cr 2 weeks before the surgical procedure. The disappearance of 51Cr-labeled RBCs was calculated for the preoperative period and for the period from postoperative Day 4 on, when blood loss had ceased. RESULTS: The half-life of 51Cr-labeled RBCs did not change if estimated before (29.0 ± 4.4 days) and after (27.4 ± 3.6 days, p = 0.55) surgery. This indicates that the lifespan of RBCs is not influenced by the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: A decrease in RBC survival does not contribute to the pathogenesis of the anemia found after THR surgery.