[Differentiated blood replacement therapy in endoprosthesis surgery of the hip joint]

In a prospective clinical study with 37 patients (41-84 years) undergoing a first implantation of hip joint endoprothesis, a total blood loss of two liters in average was registrated including the first 24 h postoperative wound drainage blood. Sufficient volume replacement was achieved without any homologous blood components by consequently using a comprehensive concept of autologous transfusion including acute preoperative hemodilution, intra and postoperative blood salvage and preoperative plasma predeposit (ATU = Autologous Transfusion-Concept of Ulm). Plasma and blood substitution was managed mainly by polygelin and autologous fresh frozen plasma completed by autologous warm blood and processed autologous washed packed red cells. Through this any organization troubles or disadvantages of whole blood predeposit may be avoided. To increase the net gain of washed packed red cells time limited use of blood salvage disposables should be extended.