Background: Topically applied tranexamic acid has been shown to decrease the amount of blood loss associated with major spinal surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of locally applied tranexamic acid in epidural space on post-laminectomy blood loss. Methods: One hundred patients who were scheduled to undergo laminectomy in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran were enrolled in a clinical trial. Patients were divided into two groups of unilateral one level (n=50) and bilateral two level (n=50) laminectomy according to the extent of surgery. Each group was randomly allocated into two groups of tranexamic acid (n=25) and control (n=25). At the end of the operation, 250mg tranexamic acid, with volume of 5ml or 5ml of normal saline were poured on the site of surgery. The blood volume drained during first and second 24hr, and overall hemorrhage, plus the duration of post operative hospitalization were compared between the two groups. Results: The bleeding volume in the 1st 24hr was significantly less in tranexamic acid than control group (p=0.001). The bleeding volume in the 2nd 24hr was significantly less in tranexamic acid than control group (p=0.001). The hospital stay was less in tranexamic acid compared to control group (2.16±0.37 Vs. 2.96±0.89 days, p=0.001) respectively. Conclusion: Locally applied tranexamic acid in epidural space significantly reduces the amount of the 1st day, 2nd day and overall post-laminectomy blood loss, and duration of hospital stay. MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Vs. 2.96±0.89 days, p=0.001) respectively.
Conclusion: Locally applied tranexamic acid in epidural space significantly reduces the amount of the 1^st day, 2^nd day and overall post-laminectomy blood loss, and duration of hospital stay.

Keywords: Topical, tranexamic acid, laminectomy, hemorrhage

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