Perioperative autotransfusion systems in TKA are not necessary

Perioperative autotransfusion is believed to reduce postoperative allogenic transfusion. A retrospective review of 128 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty with preoperative hemoglobin < 14 g/dL was performed. Group 1 received an intraoperative tourniquet and postoperative autotransfusion. Group 2 received a tourniquet and hemovac drain postoperatively. Group 3 had a tourniquet only during cementing with no drain. Nine (17%) patients in group 1, 9 (19%) patients in group 2, and 4 (15%) patients in group 3 required transfusion. Perioperative autotransfusion does not decrease the need for allogenic transfusion when compared to similar patients at risk for transfusion because of preoperative hemoglobin level < 14 g/dL.