Oxidised cellulose in musculoskeletal oncology procedure: Does it reduce postoperative blood loss?

Background: Major musculoskeletal oncology procedures often result in perioperative bleeding. This exposes patients to allogeneic red blood cell transfusion and its potential complications, thus increasing the risk of surgical wound infection and prolonged hospital stay. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oxidised cellulose, a topical haemostatic agent, in reducing postoperative blood loss and its subsequent risks.

Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, 40 patients undergoing major musculoskeletal oncology procedures were assigned to control and intervention groups. Oxidised cellulose was inserted into the surgical wound after the resection's conclusion before the wound's closure to reduce postoperative bleeding for patients in the intervention group. Postoperative closed suction drain system (Redivac TM) volume, drop in haemoglobin level, allogeneic red blood cell transfusion rate, duration of surgery, and length of hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

Results: The postoperative Redivac volume (Control: 432 MLS vs. Intervention: 431.75 MLS), drop in haemoglobin level (Control: 3.12 g/dL vs. Intervention: 3.06 g/dL), duration of surgery (Control: 134 vs. Intervention: 156 min), and allogeneic red blood cell transfusion were lower in the intervention group (Control: 204 MLS vs. Intervention: 170 MLS), but they were not statistically significant (p > 0.05) (Control: 134 vs. Intervention: 156 min). Mean hospital stay was similar in both groups (Control: 5.45 days vs. Intervention: 5.85 days).

Conclusion: Oxidised cellulose use does not significantly affect postoperative blood loss, the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion, and hospital stay. However, we believe its use contributes positively but not considerably towards lower postoperative blood loss in musculoskeletal oncology surgeries.