Intraoperative autologous transfusion in primary and revision total hip arthroplasty.

Significant blood loss during total hip arthroplasty is usually unavoidable. Blood loss is even more of a problem during revision total hip arthroplasty. Using the Cell-Saver for retrieval of red blood cells to be used for autotransfusion during surgery is a safe and useful way of sparing donor blood transfusion. This is a retrospective analysis of primary and revision total hip arthroplasty cases and comparison between cases in which Cell-Saver was used versus those in which Cell-Saver was not used. Generally accepted standards to determine the need for blood transfusion, including measured serum hemoglobin and patient symptoms and vital signs, were used as guidelines in treating patients. Using multiple regression models and taking into account certain variables between cases, it was determined that a significant amount of donor blood transfusion can be saved when the Cell-Saver is used. The Cell-Saver is an important aid in intraoperative treatment for both primary and revision total hip arthroplasty cases.