Autologous blood transfusion in prostatic surgery

Abstract

Autotransfusion is becoming a more widely used technique as it avoids risks associated with homologous transfusions. The authors present results of a self-donation programme used for 1301 patients in prostatic surgery from 1982 to 1993. Selected patients made a blood pre-deposit of 350 to 450 ml prior to suprapubic prostatectomy, and two pre-deposits prior to radical prostatectomy. 93% of the patients did not require additional transfusions. 30% of the patients did not require any transfusion. The Hb value was satisfactory upon discharge from hospital (> 10 g/dl). The programme was successful in protecting the patients from infective and immunological risks associated with homologous transfusion.