[Use of neomycin-bacitracin irrigating solution with intraoperative autotransfusions during orthopedic operations]

Although there is doubt about the importance of rinsing the operative field with a solution containing locally acting antibiotics, it is frequently done. In this paper we tried to answer the question, wether intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT) with the Haemonetics Cell Saver is contraindicated during rinsing the operative area with locally acting antibiotics or vice versa. The measured serum concentrations for neomycin and bacitracin (Nebacetin) were extremely low. Therefore IAT is recommended with a system separating and washing the autologous red blood cells even under circumstances of rinsing the operative field with a solution containing locally acting antibiotics.