OBJECTIVETo evaluate factors predictive of blood loss in radical cystectomy in a contemporary series.

METHODSFrom December 1996 to December 2008, clinical data of 233 patients who underwent radical cystectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Various preoperative and operative factors were assessed for their association with blood loss using univariate, multivariate regression and correlation analysis.

RESULTSOne hundred eighty-one patients underwent open radical cystectomy and 52 cases were treated by laparoscopic radical cystectomy. Overall mean operative time was (339 ± 84) minutes, and mean blood loss was (818 ± 756) ml. On univariate analysis, body mass index (F = 9.039), history of pelvic operation (t = -4.365), anesthetic techniques (t = 3.125), surgical type (t = 6.643), use of Ligasure (t = 6.923), and urethra resection (t = -1.984) correlated with blood loss. However, multiple linear regression showed that body mass index (R(2) = 0.256, P < 0.001), history of pelvic operation (R(2) = 0.222, P < 0.001), use of Ligasure (R(2) = 0.172, P < 0.001), and surgical type (R(2) = 0.271, P = 0.027) were significant predictors of blood loss. The transfusion was required in 176 of 233 patients (75.5%) with a median requirement of (649 ± 569) ml. Likewise logistical regression analysis revealed that older age (OR = 3.2, P = 0.010), female gender (OR = 33.7, P = 0.013), anemia (OR = 6.6, P = 0.039), increased blood loss (OR = 14.3, P < 0.001), open radical cystectomy (OR = 6.4, P = 0.036) and nonuse of Ligasure (OR = 10.1, P < 0.001) were predictors of transfusion need.

CONCLUSIONSIncreased body mass index, history of pelvic operation, open radical cystectomy, and non-use of Ligasure were independent predictors of increased blood loss during radical cystectomy. Such a prediction formula has an important role in identifying high risk patient for increased blood loss and transfusion need before radical cystectomy.