Comparative evaluation of visual estimation and accurate measurement of the amount of blood loss during surgery

Abstract

Background: The greater the ability to accurately estimate the amount of blood loss during surgery, the greater the readiness to deal with possible risks during surgery. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the visual estimation and accurate measurements of the amount of blood loss during surgery in order to make better management of the bleeding during surgery and make proper cares in proper time. Methods: 31 patients undergoing surgery who referred to Firoozgar hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2017 were entered this clinical trial study using simple sampling method. All patients underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) surgery. Then, the amount of bleeding during the operation was calculated in two ways: visual estimation and also using a sensitive scale. Data were analyzed via SPSS software using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon test. Findings: The mean age of the participants was 41.4 years old, and the mean weight was 65.2 kg. There was a significant difference between the amount of bleeding calculated as a visual bleeding amount and the bleeding calculated by sensitive scale at the first hour of operation (P < 0.0001), and also at the second hour of operation (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: The amount of blood on the gauzes calculated by visual estimation was significantly lower than the actual estimation. In order to reduce this error, it is recommended that, in assessing the amount of blood on gauzes, in addition to the amount of gauze to be impregnated with the blood, the amount of moisture (moisture) of the gauzes should also be taken into account. © 2019, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved