BACKGROUND: Homologous transfusion implies a risk for transmission of infectious diseases and transfusion reactions. The aim of the present study was to compare homologue transfusion with mechanical autotransfusion perioperatively in prosthetic hip surgery. METHODS: 111 patients were included in the study; group 1: 29 patients operated between June 2001 and June 2002 (before using autotransfusion); group 2: 35 patients operated between September 2002 and March 2003 (using common autotransfusion); group 3: 47 patients operated after March 2003 (using common autotransfusion and salvaging of rinsing fluid). RESULTS: Postoperative hemoglobin was significantly higher in group 3 (10,9 +/- 0.3 g/dl) than in group 2 (9,6 +/- 0.3 g/dl; p < 0.01) and group 1 (9,5 +/- 0,4 g/dl; p < 0.01). Amount of autologous erythrocyte concentrate in group 3 was significant higher than in group 2 (440 +/- 51 ml vs. 238 31 ml; p < 0.01). There were fewer patients in group 3 (9%) than in group 2 (29%; p < 0.04) and in group 1 (76%; < 0.01) who required homologous blood. CONCLUSION: The use of perioperative blood collection and retransfusion significantly reduces homologue blood transfusion in prosthetic hip surgery.
BACKGROUND: Homologous transfusion implies a risk for transmission of infectious diseases and transfusion reactions. The aim of the present study was to compare homologue transfusion with mechanical autotransfusion perioperatively in prosthetic hip surgery. METHODS: 111 patients were included in the study; group 1: 29 patients operated between June 2001 and June 2002 (before using autotransfusion); group 2: 35 patients operated between September 2002 and March 2003 (using common autotransfusion); group 3: 47 patients operated after March 2003 (using common autotransfusion and salvaging of rinsing fluid). RESULTS: Postoperative hemoglobin was significantly higher in group 3 (10,9 +/- 0.3 g/dl) than in group 2 (9,6 +/- 0.3 g/dl; p < 0.01) and group 1 (9,5 +/- 0,4 g/dl; p < 0.01). Amount of autologous erythrocyte concentrate in group 3 was significant higher than in group 2 (440 +/- 51 ml vs. 238 31 ml; p < 0.01). There were fewer patients in group 3 (9%) than in group 2 (29%; p < 0.04) and in group 1 (76%; < 0.01) who required homologous blood. CONCLUSION: The use of perioperative blood collection and retransfusion significantly reduces homologue blood transfusion in prosthetic hip surgery.