The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Intraoperative and Post-Operative Bleeding in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Intraoperative and Post-Operative Bleeding in Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blinded Study

Sinus surgery is a common, day surgery procedure performed by general and subspecialty trained otolaryngologists. In most cases, this is a safe surgery with a low incidence of complications. When there is significant bleeding or enough bleeding to obscure important anatomical landmarks, there is a higher chance of complications. These complications can include blindness, meningitis or cerebrospinal fluid leak. Our hypothesis is that in patients taking oral tranexamic acid three days before surgery and six days after, there will be less intraoperative bleeding, better surgical visualization and less postoperative bleeding events.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic sinusitis requiring bilateral functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Between the ages of 18-65
• Willing to comply with standard followup
• No coagulopathy
• Not pregnant

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant
• On anticoagulants within 3 months of the surgery
• Coagulopathy
• <18 or >65 years of age