Abstract:

Previous studies have demonstrated that using a bipolar sealer device for hemostasis in hip and knee arthroplasty results in a decreased blood loss and transfusion requirement. The anterior supine intermuscular total hip arthroplasty is a minimally invasive approach with a faster initial recovery compared with more traditional hip replacement surgery. A retrospective consecutive series of 100 anterior supine total hip arthroplasties performed by one surgeon was reviewed. In the first 50 cases, traditional electrocautery was used. In the second 50 cases, a bipolar sealer device was used. No significant differences with operative times, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin levels, and length of hospitalization were demonstrated between the two groups. There was a lower rate of intraoperative and postoperative transfusions in the bipolar sealer group.

Authors:

Michael J. Morris, MD, Keith R. Berend, MD, Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr., MD, FACS

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