Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the effects of fresh whole blood (FWB) and erythrocyte suspension (ES), administered during the perioperative period, on the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing open–heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study included a total of 100 patients aged over 18 years who underwent open–heart surgery with CPB at Kocaeli University Research and Application Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, between 2017 and 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to the blood product used during the perioperative period: the FWB group (n = 50) and the ES group (n = 50).
Results
No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of demographic and preoperative characteristics. Postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly higher in the FWB group. Drainage volumes within the first three postoperative hours were significantly greater in the ES group. Although no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the length of hospital stay, a trend toward longer hospitalization was noted in the ES group. The findings were presented in tables.
Conclusion
In this study, the effects of perioperatively administered blood products on postoperative drainage volumes, hematological parameters, and length of hospital stay were evaluated in patients undergoing open–heart surgery with CPB. The findings suggest that the use of FWB may provide advantages in terms of hemostasis and hematological stability in the early postoperative period. The higher postoperative drainage volumes observed in patients receiving ES may be explained by the limited effects of component therapy on coagulation factors and platelet function. Although no statistically significant difference was found in terms of length of hospital stay, the tendency toward prolonged hospitalization in the ES group is clinically noteworthy. The limited sample size may have prevented this difference from reaching statistical significance. The retrospective design and relatively small sample size are the main limitations of the study. Nevertheless, the homogeneity of the patient groups and the use of standardized surgical and perfusion protocols strengthen the study. Individualization of perioperative blood product selection in open–heart surgery may influence postoperative bleeding and hematological stability. When used with appropriate indications, FWB may offer advantages in certain clinical parameters.
