Oxytocin during myomectomy: a randomized study

Objective: To evaluate the influence of oxytocin on peroperative blood loss during myomectomy. Study design: From October 1998 to May 2002, 94 patients requiring surgical myomectomy by laparotomy or by the vaginal approach were enrolled in a randomized double blind study. Patients were randomized to two groups. In the first group (47 patients) oxytocin was administered during myomectomy and in the second group (47 patients) a placebo was used. The main outcome measures were peroperative blood loss and rates of blood transfusion and autotransfusion. Results: Peroperative blood loss was no different between the oxytocin group and the placebo group (508 +/- 558 ml versus 451 +/- 336 ml; P= 0.55). Rates of autotransfusion and blood transfusion were also similar in both groups. Conclusion: Administration of oxytocin during myomectomy did not reduce peroperative blood loss in our study. The benefits of using oxytocin to prevent hemorrhage during myomectomy seem to be limited. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.