Available online 24 December 2022

Tranexamic acid (TXA) does not impact haematoma formation in breast cancer procedures.

TXA reduces the incidence of haematoma in cosmetic breast procedures.

TXA prescription has little impact upon seroma formation and infection rates.

TXA has not been associated with thromboembolic events in breast surgery.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in surgery. Seroma and haematoma formation occur as complications of breast surgery. We aimed to perform a meta-analysis evaluating TXA in reducing post-operative haematoma and seroma formation for breast surgery.

A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results were expressed as dichotomous variables pooled as odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Mantel–Haenszel method.

Seven studies including 1446 patients were included. There were 1830 breast surgery procedures performed with TXA administered in 797 cases (43.6%). There was a significant reduction in haematoma rates in the TXA group (TXA: 3.184% (22/691) vs Control: 6.787% (64/943), OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20–0.86, P = 0.020). Based on surgical procedure, haematoma rates were similar for TXA and control groups in cancer surgery (P = 0.230). Haematoma rates reduced following TXA use in cosmetic procedures (TXA: 3.807% (15/394) vs. Control: 9.091% (34/374), OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22–0.75, P = 0.004). Haematoma rates were also reduced in procedures where axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) was not performed; in the TXA group, 3.379% (22/651) developed a haematoma versus 6.623% (60/906) in the control group (OR: 0.45, 95% CI 0.27–0.77, P = 0.003). TXA administration did not impact seroma formation or infection rates.

Perioperative administration of TXA may impact the incidence of haematoma in breast surgery, particularly in cosmetic procedures and procedures without ALND. Well-designed randomised studies are required to determine its true efficacy. TXA has no effect on seroma formation or infection in breast surgery.

Tranexamic acid

Haematoma

Seroma

Breast surgery

Meta-analysis

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (Scottish charity number SC005317) and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.