[Autotransfusion in patients with total hip or knee endoprosthesis.]

Authors in their paper explain the term autotransfusion, they compare advantages and disadvantages of autologous and homologous transfusion. Perioperative and postoperative blood loss was compared and number of transfused units was recorded in group of 573 patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement. 34.2% of patients had autotransfusion. Authors describe preparation of autotransfusion and its application. They evaluate possible complications of homologous and autologous transfusions and also discuss economical aspects and summarize indications and contraindications of autotransfusion. Finally, they try to make recommendations in order to select optimal and sub-optimal patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement for autotransfusion. Key words: blood transfusion, autologous transfusion, total hip replacement, total knee replacement, perioperative and postoperative blood loss, complications of transfusion, indications for autotransfusion.