An Algorithm for Control of Excessive Perioperative Bleeding and Ecchymosis in Rhinoplasty Patients Based on 4 Decades of Experience.

BACKGROUND: Persistent intraoperative bleeding, excessive post-operative ecchymosis, epistaxis, or blood collection in the supratip area increases the complexity of rhinoplasty, causing suboptimal outcomes. We present an intraoperative bleeding management algorithm developed by the senior author (B.G.) based on 43 years of experience and assess its efficacy in achieving hemostatic control through 103 consecutive cases.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on 103 consecutive patients who had undergone septorhinoplasty by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, coagulopathies, medications, diet, intraoperative use of tranexamic acid (TXA), desmopressin (DDAVP), Vitamin K, and post-operative complications were reviewed.

RESULTS: Twenty-six (25.2%) patients did not receive intraoperative hemostatic agents. Twenty-six (25.2%) patients required TXA only, three (2.91%) patients were given DDAVP only, one (0.97%) patient received Vitamin K only, and forty-six (44.7%) patients required both TXA and DDAVP. One (0.97%) patient needed TXA, DDAVP, and vitamin K. Intraoperative bleeding was controlled in all patients. One patient with known factor 11 deficiency received both TXA and DDAVP intraoperatively but did not require fresh frozen plasma. Intraoperative bleeding was controlled by first administering 10 mg/kg of TXA intravenously, followed by DDAVP with a maximum dose of 0.3 mcg if needed, and 10 mg of Vitamin K if bleeding persisted. Patients with known type I or IIa Von Willebrand disease received DDAVP preoperatively. No patient experienced post-operative epistaxis, thromboembolism, or other associated complications.

CONCLUSION: The algorithm of TXA, DDAVP, and Vitamin K is effective in controlling excessive intraoperative bleeding, post-operative ecchymosis, and epistaxis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.