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Abstract
Background and objectives: Blood group O individuals have been shown to have lower levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF). It is not known if these differences are associated with an increased bleeding risk. We retrospectively assessed estimated blood loss (EBL) in group O and non-group O men undergoing radical prostatectomy.
Materials and methods: All patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy from October 1986 through January 1997 were evaluated for ABO type, EBL in the operating room and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements.
Results: Complete data were available for 138 group O and 168 non-group O men. Average intraoperative blood loss was 1996 mLs for all men and there was no significant difference in the EBL or transfusion requirements for group O patients. Substantial blood loss (EBL of at least 3 liters) did occur in 20.3% of group O and 13.1% of non-group O patients (P = 0.12). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the number of autologous, allogeneic or total RBCs transfused either intraoperatively or within 48 hours of surgery.
Conclusion: There was no difference in blood loss or RBC transfusion requirements between group O and non-group O patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. The lower levels of vWF that have been found in group O individuals do not appear to put group O men at significant risk for greater operative blood loss or transfusion requirements during radical prostatectomy.
Summary: Group O men undergoing radical prostatectomy do not have greater estimated blood loss or transfusion requirements as compared to non-group O men.