[Normovolemic hemodilution without previous blood collection]

Iso-volaemie hemodilution without preoperative blood letting was produced inpatients undergoing orthopedic surgery. Bleeding was compensated by a modified fluid gelatin-electrolyte solution until a predetermined volume was reached. Further blood-loss was compensated by blood transfusion. Clinical condition, hematocrit, coagulation and renal function were observed in the per- and post-operative period.