Is it necessary to repeatedly check Haemoglobin following robotic assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP)?

Abstract Aim The primary aim of this study was to examine the necessity for routine post-operative haemoglobin (Hb) checks for patients undergoing RARP. Method Between April 2019 and March 2022, 155 patients underwent RARP. Demographic and clinical variables were collated including blood loss, pre-operative and post-operative Hb checks, need for transfusion and length of stay (LOS). Paired samples t-tests were undertaken to compare mean pre-operative and post-operative Hb results. Results The mean age of patient was 62 years (range 45-79). The mean blood loss was 281.2mls (range 50-1000). There was a statistically significant drop between pre-operative and day 1 post-operative Hb (p<0.001) (15.07 to 12.97) (mean drop of 2.2g/dl). There was not a statistically significant drop between day 1 and day 2 post-operative bloods (p = 0.547) (mean 0.13g/dl). No patient required a blood transfusion. The mean LOS was 2.4 days (range 1-16). Conclusions Blood loss at RARP is low and unlikely of clinical significance. Following a Hb check on post-operative day one, further routine bloods are unnecessary in the absence of a clinical concern.