Evaluation of Blood Loss after Early or Late Release of Ischemia in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Replacement.

Objective: compare blood loss in 40 patients underwent to unilateral total knee replacement with the release of ischemia before and after skin closure and compressive dressing.

Methods: in a prospective randomized study, in 40 patients underwent to total knee replacement, dividing then into two groups: group A in which the ischemia was released before skin closure, allowing bleeding control and group B where the ischemia was released after skin suture and pressure dressing. We compared the results of laboratory tests of serum hemoglobin before surgery and 48 hours postoperatively, the blood volume contained in vacuum suction drain and the transfusions that was necessary.