[Autologous transfusion in total hip endoprosthesis--a clinical concept]

The risks associated with blood transfusion can be minimized using autologous blood. The efficiency of preoperative blood deposit, preoperative acute-hemodilution spinal anesthesia, controlled hypotension and intra and postoperative autotransfusion in reducing homologous transfusion has been demonstrated. In a prospective study the effectivity of this concept is demonstrated. 141 patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were divided in three groups: group I--total hip arthroplasty without cement (n = 55); group II--total hip arthroplasty with cement (n = 52); and group III total hip revision arthroplasty (n = 34). The mean quantity of the donated blood was 900 mL. The donation was not associated with serious complications. In group I 52 patients (94.5%), in group II 40 patients (77%) and in group III 14 patients (41.2%) did not require homologous transfusion. The difference between group I and II was significant (p < 0.05). Under the conditions studied, preoperative autologous blood deposit, acute hemodilution, spinal anesthesia and controlled hypotension are effective for decreasing the application of homologous transfusions in hip arthroplasty. The efficiency of preoperative hemodilution alone is limited. Preoperative deposit of autologous blood is a simple, effective, economical, and low-risk method of reducing homologous transfusion. Autotransfusion with a cell separator can save approximately 50% of the erythrocytes lost during revision total hip arthroplasty.