Description

Lloyd et al identified factors prior to a radical retropubic prostatectomy that can identify a patient who may have greater blood loss from the surgery. Some patients have considerable bleeding and identifying them prior to surgery can allow for preparations in advance. The authors are from Duke University, University of California Los Angeles, Medical College of Georgia, Stanford University, University of Alabama, University of California San Diego and multiple Veterans Affairs Medical Centers.


 

Parameters:

(1) body mass index (BMI)

(2) prostate weight in grams ( or volume)

(3) hospital

 

Blood loss increased with:

(1) higher body mass index

(2) a larger prostate

(3) certain hospitals

 

Findings associated with the least amount of blood loss:

(1) body mass index < 25 kg per square meter

(2) prostate weight < 20 grams

 

Findings associated with the greatest amount of blood loss:

(1) body mass index >= 35 kg per square meter

(2) prostate weight >= 100 grams

 

Other factors to consider:

(1) coagulopathy

(2) medications

(3) use of minimally invasive surgery

(4) use of minimal transfusion methods

 

A patient with multiple risk factors may benefit from having surgery done at a hospital with better control of bleeding.

 


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