Reductions in blood loss with a bipolar sealer in total hip arthroplasty.

Altogether, 50 primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in a prospective, blinded, randomized study comparing a bipolar sealer device to standard electrocautery for hemostasis. Cohorts were evaluated for intra- and postoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, hemoglobin levels and modified Harris hip scores. Variables such as age, gender and body mass index were correlated to transfusion requirements. Total blood loss in the bipolar sealer group was decreased by 40% and transfusions were reduced by 73%. There was a significant reduction in the intra- and postoperative blood loss, p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively. There was no difference in clinical hip scores between groups. The bipolar sealer was an effective coagulation alternative for total hip arthroplasties, reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements without affecting outcome. It appears to reduce tissue damage and smoke production in comparison with standard electrocautery. These results were found even in patients with demographic characteristics associated with a higher risk of blood-related complications.