Koch MO, Brandell RA, Lin D, Smith JA Jr.
The effect of sequential compression devices on intraoperative blood loss during
radical prostatectomy.
J Urol 1994 Oct;152(4):1178-9

Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2765.

We reviewed 109 consecutive patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy to
determine the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression devices on
intraoperative blood loss. Sequential compression devices were used
intraoperatively and perioperatively in 86 patients, while 23 underwent surgery
without these devices. There were no identifiable selection factors between the 2
groups. Median intraoperative blood loss was 885 cc without sequential
compression devices and 800 cc when they were used. These results are at odds
with previous reports in the urological literature and suggest that anatomical
control of the dorsal vein complex negates any potential influence of sequential
compression devices on blood loss during radical prostatectomy.