[Major interventions in vascular surgery with and without autotransfusion. Comparison of coagulation and hemodynamic...

Twenty out of 32 patients undergoing major vascular surgery received autologous blood transfusion and hemostatic and hematological parameters were evaluated in both transfused and non-transfused groups. Blood and urine samples were also analysed. No acceleration of the hemostatic process was observed during either surgery or the postoperative period; free hemoglobin present in reinfusion sacks (?), even in high doses, was immediately restored to normal values in the patient's circulation. A slight effect was observed at the renal level alone. These findings confirm the good qualitative level of the procedures used to reinfuse blood lost during surgery.