Effect of autologous drained blood reinfusion on hidden blood loss and limb swelling following rivaroxaban anticoagulation for primary total hip arthroplasty

Objective To study the effect of autologous drained blood reinfusion on hidden blood loss and limb swelling following rivaroxaban anticoagulation for primary total hip arthroplasty. Methods From May, 2011 to October, 2012, 98 patients undergoing primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty received rivaroxaban therapy for prevention of deep venous thrombosis(DVT). Forty-five of the patients used a drained blood reinfusion device(group A) and 53 patients did not(group B). Hidden blood loss and the maximal changes of postoperative circumferential length of the mid-thigh were measured and compared between the two groups. Results The mean total blood loss, the hidden blood loss, and the maximal changes of postoperative thigh circumference were 1591.1±337.3 ml, 1591.1±337.3 ml, and 5.1±2.8 cm in group A, as compared to 1374.5± 317.3 ml, 467 ± 96.8 ml, 3.9 ± 1.4 cm in group B, respectively. The two groups showed a significant difference in the maximal changes of postoperative mid-thigh circumference(P0.01) but not in hidden blood loss(P0.05). Conclusion Reinfusion of autologous drained blood does not affect hidden blood loss but can increase limb swelling following primary total hip arthroplasty with rivaroxaban anticoagulation.