Tranexamic acid in sinus and nasal surgery: an up-to-date meta-analysis

Objective There are gaps within current meta-analyses looking at the effects of tranexamic acid on sino-nasal surgery. This study aimed to update and summarise all current available evidence on the use of tranexamic acid in sino-nasal surgery. Method A literature search was performed using four medical databases, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline and PubMed. Data analysis was performed using dedicated meta-analysis software Review Manager (Revman). Results Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The amount of blood loss and duration of surgery in tranexamic acid groups was statistically lower than placebo for both sinus and nasal surgery. Tranexamic acid improves the surgical field quality in sinus surgery but worsens the field in nasal surgery. Topical or intravenous administration of tranexamic acid in sinus surgery reduces blood loss, duration of surgery and improves the quality of the surgical field. Conclusion This study suggests that the use of tranexamic acid in sinus surgery reduces blood loss, decreases surgical duration and improves surgical field quality.