Shed blood re-transfusion provides no benefit in computer-assisted primary total knee arthroplasty

This matched case-cohort retrospective study examined the effectiveness of shed blood re-transfusion in reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in computer-assisted primary cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

The shed blood re-transfusion system used was the cell saver system. Data from 146 cases were analyzed (73 patients with cell saver, 73 patients without cell saver).

The ABT rate was similar in each group. The mean allogenic blood transfusion volume was similar for each group (CS=214±453 ml, non-CS=288±447 ml). The only factors correlated with allogenic blood transfusion use were low preoperative hemoglobin and low body mass index. Two patients in cell saver group experienced shivering after re-transfusion.

Shed blood re-transfusion provided no blood management benefits in computer-assisted primary TKA and is therefore recommended only for selected patients with low hemoglobin levels and low body mass index.