[Preoperative phase of limited normovolemic hemodilution]

In 35 cases, the attempt is made to present hemodilution as an appropriate means of hepatitis prophylaxis and blood sparing in patients having to undergo selective orthopedic or oral surgery. Especially in hospitals which cannot afford the expensive methods of autotransfusion, this method which is easy to perform from the technical and practical point of view offers a possibility of markedly reducing the transfusion rate of whole blood. Taking into account possible contraindications, this method is to be considered in all patients undergoing selective surgery where the general condition of the patient is sufficient and a blood loss of 1000-1500 ml is not exceeded.