Tranexamic Acid in Nasal Mohs Reconstruction

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that acts to decrease bleeding by stabilizing the fibrin matrix involved in the clotting cascade. The use of TXA has been extensively described in the literature to prevent exsanguination in trauma and in various surgical procedures, as well as for heavy menstrual bleeding and epistaxis. Studies have suggested administration of TXA may improve outcomes in aesthetic surgery as well, specifically regarding intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis and hematoma formation. TXA may be administered systemically, via IV or PO routes, or locally, via topical application or subcutaneous injection. Local administration allows for similar benefits with minimal risk of systemic effects.

Following facial Mohs reconstruction patients often experience surgical site ecchymosis and swelling, which may be distressing, painful, prolong healing, and result in increased healthcare utilization. Other complications include hematoma, wound dehiscence, and suboptimal scarring. Given the growing body of literature demonstrating the benefits of TXA in surgical bleeding outcomes, TXA may also be beneficial in improving postoperative Mohs complications and patient satisfaction.

To date, no studies have investigated the use of perioperative TXA specifically in nasal Mohs reconstruction. This study will be a prospective randomized control trial to evaluate the effects of subcutaneously administered TXA among patients undergoing nasal Mohs reconstruction with local flaps at VUMC.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults at least 18 years of age undergoing local flap reconstruction (bilobe flap, note flap dorsal nasal flap, advancement flap) of a nasal defect following Mohs micrographic surgery. Reconstructive procedures will be performed by Drs. Yang or Patel in the division of Facial Plastic Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
• No other facial plastic procedure or sinus surgery performed simultaneously.
• Lack of all the below exclusion criteria.

Exclusion criteria

• Known allergy to TXA
• Intracranial bleeding
• Known defective color vision
• History of venous or arterial thromboembolism
• History of coagulation disorder
• Active thromboembolic disease
• Severe renal impairment (diagnosis of chronic kidney disease)
• History of acute myocardial infarction
• History of stroke
• History of seizure
• History of liver failure
• Preoperative lab results indicating thrombocytopenia (platelets <150,000), increased bleeding risk (PT over 45, INR over 1.2).