Lysine analogue use during cancer surgery: a survey from a Canadian tertiary care centre

• Published in: Current oncology (Toronto) 2020-12, Vol.27 (6), p.e560-568
• Main Authors: Montroy, J, Hutton, B, Fergusson, D A, Tinmouth, A, Lavallée, L T, Cagiannos, I, Morash, C, Flaman, A, Breau, R H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original : Surgical Oncology
• ISSN: 1718-7729; 1198-0052; 1718-7729
• DOI: 10.3747/co.27.6613

When used during surgery, antifibrinolytic hemostatic agents such as lysine analogues are effective at reducing blood loss and the need for transfusions. Despite proven efficacy, use of hemostatic agents remains low during some surgeries. Our objective was to explore surgeon opinions about, and use of lysine analogues in, oncologic surgeries at a large tertiary care academic institution. We administered a survey to surgeons who perform high-transfusion-risk oncologic surgeries at a large academic hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. Design and distribution of the survey followed a modified Dillman method. To ensure that the survey questionnaire was relevant, clear, and concise, we performed informant interviews, cognitive interviews, and pilot-testing. The final survey consisted of 19 questions divided into 3 sections: respondent demographics, use of hemostatic agents, and potential clinical trial opinions. Of 28 surgeons, 24 (86%) participated. When asked to indicate the frequency of lysine analogue use, "never" accounted for 46% of the responses, and "rarely" (