Blood conservation in spinal surgery. Review of current techniques.

The potential dangers of homologous blood transfusions are well known. Among the more serious complications of such therapy are hepatitis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. As a result, blood conservation has become a topic of great interest to both physicians and patients. Numerous studies exist documenting the effectiveness of preoperative autologous blood donation, intraoperative autologous transfusion, hypotensive anesthesia, and postoperative blood salvage. Perioperative recombinant human erythropoietin is a promising new adjunct to these techniques. Careful surgical technique is crucial to the success of these complex modalities. In the absence of tumor, systemic infection, or gross wound contamination, these modalities should be considered when a spinal procedure is planned in which homologous blood may be required.