Fresh autotransfusion in major surgery

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether 600-800 ml of fresh autologous blood, withdrawn just before anesthesia and retransfused at the end of the operation, would reduce early postoperative anemia. Thirty-nine patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy were autotransfused, while 44, submitted to the same operation, served as controls. Appropriate amounts of lactated Ringer solution were infused during phlebotomy and operation. The cardiovascular system remained stable and diuresis high. Postoperative complications were few and did not prolong hospitalization. The mean peroperative blood loss per patient was 680 ml. Fresh autotransfusion did not improve early postoperative anemia.