Autotransfusion: intraoperative use in ruptured ectopic pregnancy

Autotransfusion was used in 38 patients with ruptured ectopic pregnancy. There was no mortality in this series. Transfusion-related morbidity occurred in six patients; two developed clinical coagulopathy; two, pulmonary edema; and two had minor transfusion reactions to concomitantly used banked blood. The procedure is safe and efficient and represents less risk to the patient than does the use of banked blood. The savings of the large amount of banked blood is certainly in keeping with a more salutary use of this valuable resource.