Autologous blood donation for elective gynaecological surgery

The utilization and effectiveness of a hospital autologous blood donation programme for elective gynaecological surgery at Ramathibodi Hospital during April 1, 1988-March 31, 1991 were analyzed. A total of 438 patients or 98% of eligible patients were enrolled into the programme. Each patient gave 1 unit of blood within 14 days of undergoing gynaecological surgery. The untoward effects observed in the programme were higher than those found in the regular donors. However, these were very mild. Nearly 90% of the participants used no homologous blood during their hospitalization, 8% used only their autologous blood, while 2% used additional homologous transfusion. The released autologous components were subsequently administered to other recipients. The patients' acceptance was excellent. Autologous blood donation is a safe, inexpensive and feasible procedure for transfusion treatment in elective gynaecological surgery especially in developing countries.