The efficacy of intraoperative autologous transfusion in major shoulder surgery

Perioperative blood loss associated with 36 cases of major shoulder surgery in which an intraoperative autologous transfusion device was used was compared with a control group of 36 shoulder surgery patients to determine the effectiveness of intraoperative autologous transfusion (IAT). Total blood loss in this retrospective review was evaluated by assessing the volume of transfused banked blood and the change in hematocrit. All surgical cases were performed by the same surgeon. The procedures considered in the study were humeral head and total shoulder replacement. Use of an intraoperative autotransfusion device was associated with fewer units of transfused banked blood and similar or smaller drops in hematocrit. While shoulder surgery can involve substantial blood loss, the authors recommend intraoperative autologous transfusion for revision of failed shoulder surgery, arthrodesis, joint replacement, or repairs of massive cuff tears when mobilization and tendon transfers are anticipated. The risk of disease transmission through banked blood, especially of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and hepatitis viruses, has increased the need for a heightened awareness and use of alternative blood sources such as IAT.