Implantação da técnica de recuperação intraoperatória de sangue em serviço público de atendimento ao trauma / Implementation of intraoperative blood recovery technique in public trauma care service / Implementación de la técnica de recuperación de sangre intraoperatoria en el servicio público de atención traumatológica

Objetivo: relatar a vivência de uma equipe interdisciplinar na implantação da técnica de Recuperação Intraoperatória de Sangue em um serviço público de atendimento ao trauma. Método: estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, desenvolvido no Instituto Dr. José Frota, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Resultados: a técnica foi implantada no segundo semestre de 2015 no hospital de trauma, e a vivência permitiu listar as atividades da implantação da técnica, como a disponibilização do equipamento, materiais e profissional capacitado; aulas e palestras direcionadas ao corpo clínico e residentes de anestesiologia; identificação de cirurgias com benefício potencial; abordagem direta da enfermagem aos cirurgiões no centro cirúrgico; divulgação sistemática da disponibilidade do método e dos resultados obtidos no hospital, com o apoio da chefia cirúrgica; criação de estratégia de comunicação na interface entre enfermeiros, cirurgiões e anestesistas; e ampliação da equipe de enfermeiros para o atendimento 24 horas. Conclusão: a implantação da técnica de Recuperação Intraoperatória de Sangue no hospital de trauma permitiu identificar critérios para sua utilização e disponibilizar a estratégia de conservação de sangue para todos os procedimentos com benefício potencial, ampliando o uso de forma sistemática. (AU)

Objective: To report the experience of an interdisciplinary team in the implementation of the Intraoperative Blood Recovery technique in a public trauma care service. Methods: Descriptive study, of the experience report type, developed at Instituto Dr. José Frota, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Results: The technique was implemented in the second half of 2015 at the trauma hospital, and the experience allowed listing the activities of the technique's implementation, such as the availability of equipment, materials and trained professionals; classes and lectures aimed at clinical staff and anesthesiology residents; identification of surgeries with potential benefit; direct nursing approach to surgeons in the operating room; systematic dissemination of the availability of the method and the results obtained in the hospital, with the support of the surgical leadership; creation of a communication strategy at the interface between nurses, surgeons and anesthetists; and expansion of the team of nurses to provide 24-hour care. Conclusion: The implementation of the Intraoperative Blood Recovery technique in the trauma hospital allowed identifying criteria for its use and making this blood conservation strategy available for all procedures with potential benefit, expanding its use in a systematic way. (AU)

Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia de un equipo interdisciplinario en la implementación de la técnica de Recuperación Sanguínea Intraoperatoria en un servicio público de atención traumatológica. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, del tipo informe de experiencia, desarrollado en el Instituto Dr. José Frota, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Resultados: La técnica fue implementada en el segundo semestre de 2015 en el hospital de trauma, y la experiencia permitió enumerar las actividades de implementación de la técnica, como la disponibilidad de equipos, materiales y profesionales capacitados; clases y conferencias dirigidas al personal clínico y residentes de anestesiología; identificación de cirugías con beneficio potencial; abordaje directo de enfermería a los cirujanos en el quirófano; difusión sistemática de la disponibilidad del método y los resultados obtenidos en el hospital, con el apoyo del liderazgo quirúrgico; creación de una estrategia de comunicación en la interfaz entre enfermeras, cirujanos y anestesistas; y ampliación del equipo de enfermeras para brindar atención las 24 horas. Conclusión: A implantação da técnica de RIOS no hospital de trauma permitiu identificar criterios para su utilización y disponibilidad es una estrategia de conservación de sangue para todos los procedimientos con beneficio potencial, ampliando o uso de forma sistemática. (AU)

Autologous blood salvage in cardiac surgery: clinical evaluation, efficacy and levels of residual heparin

ABSTRACT Objective: Intraoperative blood salvage (cell saver technique) in cardiac surgery is universally used in surgical procedures with a marked risk of blood loss. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of residual heparin in the final product that is reinfused into the patient in the operating room and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the cell saver technique. Method: Twelve patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery were enrolled in this study. Using the XTRA Autotransfusion System, blood samples were collected from the cardiotomy reservoir, both prior to blood processing (pre-sample) and after it, directly from the bag with processed product (post-sample). Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, the protein, albumin and residual heparin concentrations, hemolysis index, and the platelet, erythrocyte and leukocyte counts were measured. Results: Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts were higher in post-processing samples, with a mean variation of 54.78%, 19.81 g/dl and 6.84 × 106/mm3, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean hematocrit of the processed bag was 63.49 g/dl (range: 57.2-67.5). The residual heparin levels were ≤0.1 IU/ml in all post-treatment analyses (p = 0.003). No related adverse events were observed. Conclusion: The reduced residual heparin values (≤0.1 IU/ml) in processed blood found in this study are extremely important, as they are consistent with the American Association of Blood Banks guidelines, which establish target values below 0.5 IU/ml. The procedure was effective, safe and compliant with legal requirements and the available international literature.

Estrategias de ahorro de sangre en artroplastía total de rodilla primaria / Blood-saving strategies in total primary knee replacement

Resumen: Introducción: El objetivo del presente estudio fue realizar una actualización sobre las diferentes estrategias en el ahorro de sangre en cirugía protésica de rodilla primaria, a través de una revisión bibliográfica; así como conocer qué estrategias se siguen en diferentes centros hospitalarios de nuestro ámbito, mediante un estudio multicéntrico. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo, basado en una encuesta hecha a 64 cirujanos y una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre los distintos aspectos incluidos en la encuesta. Resultados: Los cirujanos refieren que cuentan con protocolos de ahorro sanguíneo prequirúrgicos implantados en su hospital en 48.4% (31/64). La utilización del ácido tranexámico (ATX) es bastante generalizada en 71.9% de los encuestados (46/64). Éste se administra vía endovenosa previa a la cirugía en 26.6% (17/64) de los casos, de manera intraarticular en 21.9% (14/64) y en una combinación de ambas en 23.4% (15/64). El momento preferido para la colocación de la isquemia por los cirujanos es en 57.8% (37/64) previo a preparar el campo, mientras que 39.1% (25/64) prefiere colocarla en estéril. En 3.1% (2/64) de cirujanos afirma implantar las prótesis sin utilizar isquemia en la cirugía. Discusión: Se está imponiendo la aplicación de ATX como principal estrategia de ahorro de sangre en la artroplastía total de rodilla (ATR). No existe consenso en cuanto a la dosis óptima ni a su vía de administración. La eficacia del ATX está influyendo en la eliminación de los drenajes postquirúrgicos y en la implementación de programas de rehabilitación precoz.

Abstract: Introduction: The objective of this study was to make an update on the different strategies in the blood saving in prosthetic primary knee surgery, through a bibliographical review; As well as to know what strategies are followed in different hospitals in our field, through a survey. Material and methods: We carried out a descriptive transversal observational study based on a survey of 64 surgeons and a bibliographical research on the different aspects included in the survey. Results: Surgeons refer that they have presurgical blood-saving protocols implanted in their Hospital at 48.4%. The use of tranexamic acid (ATX) is quite widespread 71.9% of respondents (46/64). It is administered intravenously prior to surgery in 26.6% of cases, intraarticularly by 21.9% and in a combination of both in 23.4%. The preferred time for the placement of ischemia by surgeons is 57.8% prior to painting the field, while a 39.1% prefer to place it in sterile conditions. 3.1% of surgeons claim to implant the prosthesis without using ischemia in surgery. Discussion: The use of ATX as the primary blood-saving strategy in TKR is being imposed. There is No consensus as to the optimal dose or its route of administration. The efficacy of the ATX is influencing the elimination of post-surgical drainage and the implementation of early rehabilitation programs.

Alloantibodies to High-Incidence Antigen: Review of Cases and Transfusion Experiences in Korea / 대한수혈학회지

Antibodies to high-incidence red blood cell antigens should be considered if panagglutination reactions are noted in all panel cells, and negative reactions to autologous red blood cells are detected on antibody screening and identification tests. In Korea, most of those antibodies are identified through international reference laboratories. To prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction, antigen-negative red cells should be provided for those patients who have antibodies to red cell antigens. However, this is nearly impossible when the antibody has specificity to high-incidence red cell antigen. In those cases, transfusion of autologous blood, cryopreserved rare blood and the least incompatible blood components can be considered. In the case of surgery, acute normovolemic hemodilution or intraoperative blood salvage can also be considered. For the patients who have antibodies to high-incidence red cell antigens, it should be discussed to set up a national reference laboratory to quickly identify antibody specificities, and to consider establishing rare blood donor registry and frozen rare blood storage/supply system. This article reviews characteristics of antibodies to high-incidence antigens found in Koreans and also the transfusion experiences of those patients based on literature.

Perioperative Blood Management: Pros and Cons of ANH and Cell Salvage / 한양의대학술지

Increasingly, autologous blood transfusion has been arousing concern owing to awareness of adverse effects of allogenic blood transfusion, blood shortage and patients, having religious or personal issues. With the development of medicine, Cell Salvage and Acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) has been proposed as an alternative to allogenic blood transfusion. This review looked at the use of ANH and cell salvage and evaluated the benefits and usefulness based on the strengths and indications. Although not consistent with all cases of ANH, there were benefits in the amount of hemorrhage and transfusion, and no supplementary plasma or platelet transfusion was needed after surgery when employing ANH. But, it showed a cutoff value only for massive bleeding surgery (at least 500 mL). In the case of cell salvage, the amount of blood transfusion was reduced in most cases and platelet or plasma transfusion was not required in most cases. When the Leukoreduction filter (LDF) was utilized, it showed the effect of removing bacterial infection or tumor cells. Nonetheless, the effectiveness and benefits for patients in certain condition of cell salvage and ANH is ambiguous with discrepancies among studies or patients. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide clinical knowledge relative to the procedure, measure the efficacy and usefulness of peri-operative blood management mentioned above and discuss the forthcoming prospects and challenges.

Patient Blood Management: Anesthesiologist's Perspectives / 한양의대학술지

Preoperative anemia should be diagnosed and treated before surgery, because anemia is associated with increased postoperative mortality and morbidity. Even if iron deficiency is not detected, the possibility of functional iron deficiency should be considered. During surgery, patients should be managed to avoid hypothermia, acidosis, and hypocalcemia, while maintaining adequate blood pressure and preventing dilutional coagulopathy. It is currently recommended to start transfusion when hemoglobin is under 7–8 g/dL in patients without cardiac problems, using restrictive strategy rather than liberal, due to dangers of complications from transfusion. For those who refuse transfusion, or when transfusion is difficult due to multiple antibodies, or when attempting to reduce allogeneic transfusion, preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD), intraoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH), intraoperative blood salvage, or postoperative blood salvage can be used. For patients with trauma or massive bleeding, damage control resuscitation of permissive hypotension, restriction of crystalloid infusion, transfusion of blood product in a ratio similar to whole blood (1:1:1 of FFP, platelets, PRBC) must be actively carried out.

El recuperador celular y necesidad transfusional en pacientes intervenidos de cirugía cardíaca / The cell saver and the transfusional need in patients undergoing cardiac surgery

Resumen Objetivo Los pacientes intervenidos de cirugía cardíaca presentan riesgo elevado de ser transfundidos con sangre durante el postoperatorio, debido al descenso de sus cifras de hemoglobina y hematocrito. Una de las alternativas a la transfusión sanguínea es el uso del recuperador celular intraquirúrgico. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar si el uso del recuperador celular intraquirúgico disminuye la tasa transfusional durante el postoperatorio inmediato. También se ven las complicaciones postquirúrgicas inmediatas en ambos grupos. Material y Métodos Estudio analítico, prospectivo con dos cohortes de pacientes distribuidos en grupo control (162) y grupo intervención (162). Se analizarón variables sociodemográficas, de sus diagnósticos y tratamientos quirúrgicos, tiempos de isquemia cardíaca, hemoglobina, hematocrito, transfusión sanguínea y hemorragias, así como variables propias del recuperador celular. Las complicaciones estudiadas fueron; hemoglobinuria, fiebre, náuseas y vómitos. Se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de todos los pacientes y se sometió los datos al paquete estadístico SPSS versión 22.0. Resultados Las cifras de hemoglobina y hematocrito de los pacientes después de ser intervenido quirúrgicamente, fueron diferentes entre los grupos respectivamente (GC, 8,3 g/dL, 22,8%. GI,10,4 g/dL, 31,1%). Coincidiendo que los mayores transfundidos fueron los del grupo control (18,2%) frente al grupo intervención (3,9%). El grupo que presentó mayor complicación fue el grupo intervención (13,6%) que eran los que utilizaron el recuperador celular. Siendo la hemoglobinuria (82%) la mayor complicación. Conclusiones Los pacientes que utilizaron el recuperador celular disminuyeron la necesidad transfusional, sin embargo, fueron los que mayor incidencia de hemoglobinuria padecieron.

Objetive Patients undergoing cardiac surgery are at high risk of being transfused with blood during the postoperative period, due to the decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. One of the alternatives to blood transfusion is the use of the intraoperative cell saver. The objective of this study was to identify whether the use of the intra-uremic cell saver decreases the transfusional rate during the immediate postoperative period. The immediate postoperative complications were also demonstrated in both groups. Material and Methods Analytical, prospective study with two cohorts of patients distributed in control group (162) and intervention group (162). Sociodemographic variables, their diagnoses and surgical treatments, time of cardiac ischemia, haemoglobin, haematocrit, blood transfusion and haemorrhages, as well as variables specific to the cell saver were analyzed. The complications studied were; haemoglobinuria, fever, nausea and vomiting. The informed consent of all the patients was obtained and the data was submitted to the statistical package SPSS version 22.0. Results The haemoglobin and haematocrit values of patients after surgery were different between groups (GC, 8.3 g/dl, 22.8%, GI, 10.4 g/dl, 31.1 g %). Coinciding that the major transfused were those of the control group (18.2%) versus the intervention group (3.9%). The group that presented the greatest complication was the intervention group (13.6%) who were those who used the cell saver. Hemoglobinuria (82%) being the major complication. Conclusions Patients who used the cell saver decreased the need for transfusion, but were the ones with the highest incidence of hemoglobinuria.

Efecto del sistema de recuperación de sangre autóloga y transfusiones homólogas en pacientes quirúrgicos de alta complejidad / Effect of homologous transfusions and the autologous blood recovery system in highly complex surgical patients

Introducción: la transfusión autóloga presenta tres modalidades: transfusión autóloga con predepósito, hemodilución preoperatoria (normovolémica o hipervolémica) y el sistema de recuperación de sangre autóloga (cell saver) intraoperatoria o posoperatoria. Objetivo: demostrar la efectividad del uso del sistema de recuperación de sangre autóloga en pacientes quirúrgicos de alta complejidad en el Hospital Alcívar. Método: estudio retrospectivo, no experimental, de observación indirecta, con análisis correlacional. La muestra fue de 112 pacientes intervenidos por afecciones cardiovasculares, ortopédicas y traumatológicas, incluidos según criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se utilizó cell saver en 56 pacientes, y 56 pacientes utilizaron transfusiones de sangre homóloga. Resultados. el cell saver fue beneficioso en 93 por ciento de los pacientes; la morbilidad y la mortalidad disminuyeron, principalmente en los pacientes intervenidos de cualquier afección cardiovascular y aumentó el índice costo/beneficio, debido a que se priorizaron los recursos económicos. En traumatología y ortopedia no fue muy beneficioso, pues la cantidad de sangre recuperada fluctuó entre 300 y 500 mL en intervenciones convencionales, lo que motivó el uso de hemoderivados y aumentó el costo. En resecciones tumorales e instrumentaciones en diferentes segmentos de la columna vertebral se recuperó hasta 800 mL de sangre, lo que resultó significativo. La tasa de complicaciones fue menor en pacientes que utilizaron cell saver (7 por ciento) frente a los pacientes que utilizaron hemoderivados homólogos (32 por ciento). Se constató una menor estancia hospitalaria en el grupo cell saver (1-20 días) en comparación con los que usaron hemoderivados homólogos (> 10 días, en 5 casos fue mayor 21 días). Conclusiones: el uso de sistema de recuperación de sangre autóloga constituye un procedimiento efectivo para infundir hemoderivados con mayor seguridad(AU)

Introduction: Autologous transfusion has three modalities: autologous transfusion with predeposit, preoperative hemodilution (normovolemic or hypervolemic), and the system for autologous blood recovery (cell saver), whether intraoperative or postoperative. Objective: To show the effectiveness of the use of the autologous blood recovery system in highly complex surgical patients at Alcívar Hospital. Method: Nonexperimental, retrospective study, of indirect observation and with correlational analysis. The sample consisted of 112 patients who underwent surgery for cardiovascular, orthopedic and traumatological conditions, chosen based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cell saver system was used in 56 patients and 56 patients used homologous blood transfusions. Results: The cell saver system was beneficial in 93 percent of patients; morbidity and mortality decreased, mainly in patients operated for any cardiovascular condition, while the cost-benefit ratio increased, due to the fact prioritization of economic resources. In traumatology and orthopedics, it was not so beneficial, since the amount of blood recovered fluctuated between 300 and 500 mL in conventional interventions, which motivated the use of blood products and increased the cost. In tumor resections and instrumentation of different spine segments, up to 800 mL of blood were recovered, which was significant. The complication rate was lower in patients who used the cell saver system (7 percent), compared to patients who used homologous blood products (32 percent). A shorter hospital stay was observed in the cell saver group (1-20 days), compared to those who used homologous blood products (over 10 days, while in 5 cases it was over 21 days). Conclusions: The use of the autologous blood recovery system is an effective procedure to infuse blood products with greater safety(AU)

Influence of intraoperative blood salvage on surgery for scoliosis / Influência da recuperação intraoperatória de sangue em cirurgias para escoliose / Influencia de la recuperación intraoperatoria de la sangre en cirugía para la escoliosis

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative blood salvage (IBS) in reducing allogeneic transfusion in patients undergoing surgery for scoliosis. Methods: Retrospective case-control study with 69 patients who underwent surgical treatment for scoliosis correction from August 2008 to December 2014 in a teaching hospital. We used the IBS in 43 patients and it was not used in 26. The groups were compared according to the medical records, and the data were processed on SPSS 20.0. For the associations between the variable IBS and non-IBS and the independent variables we applied the χ 2 and the likelihood ratio tests, and the strength of which was calculated by their 95% CI. The means were compared by Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests. The confidence level was 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences between groups with the variables age, sex, preoperative weight, postoperative blood drainage and surgical time. There was a significant reduction of intraoperative allogeneic transfusion in the IBS group submitted to posterior arthrodesis compared with the control group, with no difference in the transfusion of red blood cells between the two groups postoperatively. In the 24 patients who underwent combined arthrodesis, there was no significant difference in allogeneic transfusion in the intra- and postoperative periods between the groups. Conclusion: The system proved to be effective in reducing allogeneic transfusion during surgery in patients undergoing posterior arthrodesis for scoliosis, but it was not effective in reducing allogeneic transfusion in the intra- and postoperative periods of those undergoing combined arthrodesis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da recuperação intraoperatória de sangue (RIOS) na redução da transfusão alogênica em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para escoliose. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de caso-controle, com 69 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico corretivo para escoliose, de agosto de 2008 a dezembro de 2014, em hospital-escola. Utilizou-se a RIOS em 43 pacientes e não foi usada em 26. Os grupos foram comparados conforme os prontuários, e os dados foram processados no SPSS 20.0. Nas associações entre a variável RIOS e não-RIOS e as variáveis independentes aplicaram-se os testes do χ2 e de razão de verossimilhança, sendo a força dessas calculada pelo seu IC de 95%. As médias foram comparadas pelos testes t de Student e de Mann-Whitney. O nível de confiança foi 0,05. Resultados: Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos com as variáveis idade, sexo, peso pré-operatório, drenagem sanguínea pós-operatória e tempo cirúrgico. Evidenciou-se redução significativa da transfusão alogênica intraoperatória no grupo RIOS submetido à artrodese posterior em comparação com o grupo-controle, sem diferença na transfusão de concentrado de hemácias entre os dois grupos no pós-operatório. Nos 24 pacientes submetidos à artrodese combinada, não houve diferença significativa na transfusão alogênica no intra e no pós-operatório entre os grupos. Conclusão: O sistema revelou-se eficaz em reduzir a transfusão alogênica no intraoperatório de pacientes submetidos à artrodese posterior para escoliose, mas não foi eficaz em reduzir a transfusão alogênica no intra e no pós-operatório daqueles submetidos à artrodese por via combinada.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de la recuperación de sangre intraoperatoria (RSI) en la reducción de la transfusión alogénica en pacientes sometidos a cirugía para la escoliosis. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles, con 69 pacientes sometidos a cirugía correctora de la escoliosis, entre agosto de 2008 y diciembre de 2014 en un hospital universitario. Se utilizó la RSI en 43 pacientes y no se utilizó en 26. Los grupos se compararon según los datos de los registros médicos y los datos fueron procesados en el programa SPSS 20.0. En las asociaciones entre la variable RSI y no-RSI y las variables independientes se aplicaron las pruebas de χ2 y la razón de verosimilitud, siendo la fuerza de éstas calculada por su IC de 95%. Los promedios se compararon mediante la pruebas de la t de Student y de Mann-Whitney. El nivel de confianza fue de 0,05. Resultados: No se observaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en las variables edad, sexo, peso preoperatorio, drenaje de sangre postoperatoria y tiempo quirúrgico. Se mostró una reducción significativa de la transfusión alogénica durante la cirugía en el grupo RSI sometido a la artrodesis posterior en comparación con el grupo de control, sin diferencia en la transfusión de células rojas de la sangre entre los dos grupos después de la operación. En los 24 pacientes que se sometieron a la artrodesis combinada, no hubo diferencia significativa en la transfusión alogénica en el intra y postoperatorio entre los grupos. Conclusión: El sistema ha demostrado su eficacia en la reducción de la transfusión alogénica durante la cirugía en pacientes sometidos a artrodesis posterior para la escoliosis, pero no fue efectivo en la reducción de la transfusión alogénica en el intra y postoperatorio en los que se sometieron a la artrodesis por vía combinada.

Liver transplantation in Jehovah's Witnesses: two cases report / 대한마취과학회지

Liver transplantation is especially challenging in patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses because their religious beliefs prohibit the receipt of blood products. We present two cases of living donor liver transplantation performed in adult Jehovah's Witnesses in South Korea without the use of blood products. In the first case, preoperative erythropoiesisstimulation therapy increased hemoglobin levels from 8.1 to 13.1 g/dl after 9 weeks. In the second case, hemoglobin levels increased from 7.4 to 10.8 g/dl after 6 months of erythropoiesis-stimulation therapy. With the combination of acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative cell salvage, and use of transfusion alternatives, liver transplantation was successfully performed without transfusion of blood products.

Effects of acute hypervolemic hemodilution and intraoperative blood salvage on erythrocyte morphology and biomechanics / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of acute hypervolemic hemodilution (AHH) and intraoperative blood salvage (IOBS) on the morphology and biomechanics of erythrocytes using atomic force microscopy (AFM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood samples were collected from 20 patients undergoing orthopedic surgery before operation (T1), immediately after AHH (T2), and after blood salvage (T3). AFM at nanometer resolution was used to examine the morphology and biomechanics of the collected erythrocytes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The blood samples collected at T1 showed a significantly lower ratio of heteromorphous erythrocytes than those collected at T2 and T3 [(2.6∓1.3)% vs (19.3∓1.6)% and (17.6∓1.4)%, P<0.05]. AFM revealed significant differences in the morphology and biomechanics of the single erythrocyte in salvaged blood and blood after AHH compared with those of venous blood.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AHH and IOBS may cause significant changes in the morphology and biomechanics of erythrocytes in the salvaged blood.</p>

Implementation of an obstetric cell salvage service in a tertiary women's hospital

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) is an important aspect of patient blood management programmes. An ICS service was introduced at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, from 2 May 2011 to 30 April 2013 to aid in the management of massive obstetric haemorrhage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With support from the Ministry of Health's Healthcare Quality Improvement and Innovation Fund, a workgroup comprising obstetricians, anaesthetists and nursing staff was formed to develop training requirements, clinical guidelines and protocols for implementing ICS using the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5. Pregnant women with an anticipated blood loss of > 1,000 mL during Caesarean delivery, a baseline haemoglobin level of < 10 g/dL, rare blood types and who had refused donor blood were recruited to the service after obtaining informed consent.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 11 women were recruited to the ICS service; the primary indications were placenta praevia and placenta accreta. Median blood loss in these 11 patients was 1,500 (range 400-3,000) mL. In four patients, adequate autologous blood was collected to initiate processing and salvaged, processed blood was successfully reinfused (mean 381.3 [range 223.0-700.0] mL). Median blood loss among these four patients was 2,000 (range 2,000-3,000) mL. No adverse event occurred following autologous transfusion. Mean immediate postoperative haemoglobin level was 8.0 (range 7.1-9.4) g/dL.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The implementation of an obstetric ICS service in our institution was successful. Future studies should seek to address the cost-effectiveness of ICS in reducing allogeneic blood utilisation.</p>

Opções terapêuticas para minimizar transfusões de sangue alogênico e seus efeitos adversos em cirurgia cardíaca: Revisão sistemática / Therapeutic options to minimize allogeneic blood transfusions and their adverse effects in cardiac surgery: A systematic review

Introdução: O sangue alogênico é um recurso terapêutico esgotável. Novas evidências demonstram um consumo excessivo de sangue e uma diminuição das doações, resultando em estoques de sangue reduzidos em todo o mundo. As transfusões de sangue estão relacionadas a aumento na morbimortalidade e maiores custos hospitalares. Deste modo, torna-se necessário procurar outras opções de tratamento. Estas alternativas existem, porém são pouco conhecidas e raramente utilizadas. Objetivo: Reunir e descrever de maneira sistemática, objetiva e prática todas as estratégias clínicas e cirúrgicas, como opções terapêuticas eficazes para minimizar ou evitar transfusões de sangue alogênico e seus efeitos adversos nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Métodos: Foi efetuada uma pesquisa bibliográfica com busca ao descritor “Blood transfusion” (MeSH) e aos termos “Cardiac surgery” e “Blood management”. Estudos com títulos não relacionados diretamente ao tema da pesquisa, estudos que não continham nos resumos dados relacionados à pesquisa, estudos mais antigos que relataram estratégias repetidas foram excluídos. Resultados: Tratar anemia e plaquetopenia, suspender anticoagulantes e antiplaquetários, reduzir flebotomias rotineiras, técnica cirúrgica menos traumática com hipotermia e hipotensão moderada, hemostasia meticulosa, uso de agentes hemostáticos sistêmicos e tópicos, hemodiluição normovolêmica aguda, recuperação sanguínea intraoperatória, tolerância à anemia (oxigênio suplementar e normotermia), bem como várias outras opções terapêuticas mostram ser estratégias eficazes em reduzir transfusões de sangue alogênico. Conclusão: Existem múltiplas estratégias clínicas e cirúrgicas para otimizar a massa eritrocitária e o estado de coagulação, minimizar a perda de sangue e melhorar tolerância à anemia. Estes recursos terapêuticos deveriam ser incorporados à prática médica mundial, visando diminuir o consumo de hemocomponentes, ...

Introdution: Allogeneic blood is an exhaustible therapeutic resource. New evidence indicates that blood consumption is excessive and that donations have decreased, resulting in reduced blood supplies worldwide. Blood transfusions are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, as well as higher hospital costs. This makes it necessary to seek out new treatment options. Such options exist but are still virtually unknown and are rarely utilized. Objective: To gather and describe in a systematic, objective, and practical way all clinical and surgical strategies as effective therapeutic options to minimize or avoid allogeneic blood transfusions and their adverse effects in surgical cardiac patients. Methods: A bibliographic search was conducted using the MeSH term “Blood Transfusion” and the terms “Cardiac Surgery” and “Blood Management.” Studies with titles not directly related to this research or that did not contain information related to it in their abstracts as well as older studies reporting on the same strategies were not included. Results: Treating anemia and thrombocytopenia, suspending anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, reducing routine phlebotomies, utilizing less traumatic surgical techniques with moderate hypothermia and hypotension, meticulous hemostasis, use of topical and systemic hemostatic agents, acute normovolemic hemodilution, cell salvage, anemia tolerance (supplementary oxygen and normothermia), as well as various other therapeutic options have proved to be effective strategies for reducing allogeneic blood transfusions. Conclusion: There are a number of clinical and surgical strategies that can be used to optimize erythrocyte mass and coagulation status, minimize blood loss, and improve anemia tolerance. In order to decrease the consumption of blood components, diminish morbidity and mortality, and reduce hospital costs, these treatment strategies should be incorporated ...

Benefício do uso de recuperadores de hemácias em cirurgias cardiovasculares / Benefit from using recycling red blood cells in cardiovascular surgery

Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso de recuperadores de hemácias está indicado nos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular com o uso de circulação extracorpórea. Métodos: Foram estudados 77 pacientes submetidos a cirurgias cardíacas com uso de recuperadores de hemácias e circulação extracorpórea de novembro de 2010 a junho de 2012. A amostra foi subdividida em três grupos, conforme o tempo de circulação extracorpórea. No grupo A ,o tempo de circulação extracorpórea foi menor que 45, no grupo B, de 45 a 90 e, no grupo C, maior que 90 minutos. Analisou-se o volume recuperado e infundido de hemácias, a hemoglobina de pré, trans e pós-operatório, número de unidades de concentrado de hemácias transfundidas, volume globular e hemoglobina do sangue infundido. Resultados: A idade média, dos pacientes, foi de 60,44±12,09 anos, sendo 71,43% do sexo masculino. O grupo A é formado por 5,19%, o B por 81,82% e o C por 12,99% dos pacientes. O volume recuperado e infundido foi, respectivamente, de 1.360,50±511,37 ml e 339,75±87,71 ml no grupo A, 1.436,63±516,06 ml e 518,83±183,0 ml no B e 2.137,00±925,04 ml e 526,20±227,15 ml no C. Em relação às transfusões de concentrado de hemácias, no grupo A foram transfundidas 1,00±2,00 concentrado de hemácias, no B 1,27±1,85 concentrado de hemácias e no C 2,56±2,01 concentrado de hemácias. O sangue infundido tinha um volume globular de 50,97±12,06% e hemoglobina de 19,57±8,35 g/dl. Conclusão: O recuperadores de hemácias podem ser usados em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular com circulação extracorpórea, mas somente em cirurgias com tempo de circulação extracorpórea acima de 45 minutos o reaproveitamento de sangue ...

Objective: To show if blood salvage is indicated in all patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods: We studied 77 consecutive patients submitted to cardiac surgery with use of blood salvage and cardiopulmonary bypass from November 2010 to June 2012. The sample was divided in three groups, depending on the time of cardiopulmonary bypass. In group A, the time of cardiopulmonary bypass was smaller than 45, in group B from 45 to 90 and in group C greater than 90 minutes. We analyzed the volume of red cells recovered and infused, the pre, intra and post-operative hemoglobin, the number of packed red cells units which were transfused and hematocrit and hemoglobin blood infused. Results: The average group age was 60.44±12.09 years old, of whom 71.43% were males. The group A was formed by 5.19% of the patients, B by 81.82% and C by 12.99%. The volume of erythrocytes recovered and infused was respectively 1,360.50±511.37 ml and 339.75±87.71 ml in group A, 1,436.63±516.06 ml and 518.83±183.0 ml in B and 2,137.00±925.04 ml and 526.20±227.15 ml in C. About packed red cells transfusions, in group A 1,00±2,00 packed red cells were transfused, in B 1.27±1.85 packed red cells and in C 2.56±2.01 packed red cells. The infused blood had a hematocrit of 50.97±12.06% and hemoglobin of 19.57±8.35 g/dl. Conclusion: That blood salvage can be used in patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. However, it is only cost-effective in surgeries in which the time of cardiopulmonary bypass is greater than 45 minutes. .

Uso de recuperador de sangre durante la artroplastía de rodilla / Cell saver use during knee arthroplasty

Antecedentes: La gonartrosis es una patología degenerativa que limita de forma importante la funcionalidad de una persona. Se recurre al manejo quirúrgico cuando el paciente presenta una limitación funcional importante así como dolor intenso. La artroplastía de rodilla es una de las cirugías con mejores resultados funcionales en pacientes con esta patología, pero dentro de sus limitaciones está la posibilidad de un sangrado importante y, por consiguiente, la necesidad de hemotransfundir al paciente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la necesidad de hemotransfundir a los pacientes operados de artroplastía de rodilla que utilizaron recuperador sanguíneo en el postoperatorio y las diferencias entre los costos del recuperador sanguíneo y la transfusión clásica. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal y retrolectivo de 300 expedientes de pacientes operados en el Hospital Ángeles de Querétaro de artroplastía de rodilla que utilizaron recuperador sanguíneo que requirieron hemotransfusión alogénica entre Octubre 2001 y Junio 2013. Resultados: De las 246 rodillas operadas, solamente tres requirieron hemotransfusión alogénica. Ninguna complicación/infección con el uso de recuperador sanguíneo. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 67.1 ± 9.78 años con un predominio femenino siendo éstos 141 (60.5%) en comparación con 92 (39.5%) masculinos. La sangre recolectada vía recuperador sanguíneo varió de 150 a 1,225 ml con un promedio de 318 ± 100.6 ml, la cual fue retransfundida a cada paciente. Conclusiones: El uso de recapturador sanguíneo en pacientes postoperados de artroplastía de rodilla disminuye de forma importante la necesidad de hemotransfusión alogénica.

Backgound: Gonarthrosis is a degenerative condition that importantly limits an individual's performance. Surgical treatment is used in patients with important functional limitation and severe pain. Knee arthroplasty is one of the surgeries with the best functional results in patients with this condition. However, its limitations include the risk of heavy bleeding and the resulting need for blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to assess the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing knee arthroplasy in whom the cell saver was used postoperatively and find out the cost differences between the cell saver and standard blood transfusion. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, retrolective trial including 300 records of patients who underwent knee arthroplasty at Hospital Ángeles Querétaro that included the use of the cell saver and allogeneic blood transfusion from October 2001 to June 2013. Results: Only 3 of the 246 operated knees required allogeneic blood transfusion. There were no complications/infections resulting from the use of the cell saver. Mean age of patients was 67.1 ± 9.78 years; females were predominant, as they were 141 (60.5%), compared to 92 (39.5%) males. The blood collected with the cell saver ranged from 150 to 1,225 ml with a mean of 318 ± 100.6 ml and was retransfused to each patient. Conclusions: Cell saver use in patients subjected to knee arthroplasty importantly decreases the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.

A Single-Center Experience of Transfusion Free Surgical Treatment over 13 Years in Korea

OBJECTIVE: Patient' desire of transfusion free surgery has been increasing due to blood transfusion risks. We analyzed the perioperative parameters and perioperative management of transfusion free surgical treatment in Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital. METHODS: Operation quantity and blood unstoring count from blood bank between 2000 and 2012 were collected from chronological records. Perioperative parameters including preoperative hemoglobin level, postoperative hemoglobin level, and lowest hemoglobin level were collected from medical records. Perioperative blood management such as acute normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative blood cell salvage, or hematinic agents and complication were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 3,088 patients underwent transfusion free surgery at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital between 2000 and 2012. Postoperative hemoglobin level <5.0 g/dL were 33 patients. Four patients expired at postoperative period with serious perioperative complications. Average of expired patient's hemoglobin was 3.22 g/dL and overall mortality was 0.12%. Operation was increased as years go by. The amount of blood use bank wasn't increased in general patients with transfusion. CONCLUSION: Careful perioperative blood management for transfusion free surgical treatment was responsible for safety and results in good clinical outcomes. Overall transfusion rate was decreased in spite of increasing operation quantity.

Impact of autologous blood transfusion on the use of pack of red blood cells in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery / Impacto da transfusão autóloga no uso de concentrado de hemácias em cirurgias de revascularização do miocárdio

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of Cell Saver autologous blood transfusion system (CS) on the use of packed red blood cells (pRBC) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cross-sectional study in 87 patients undergoing primary elective CABG with miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass (miniCPB), divided in two groups: 44 without-CS and 43 with-CS. We investigated the necessity of absolute use and the volume of packed red blood cells (pRBC) in each group, as well as cardiovascular risk factors, presurgical variables and intraoperative surgical parameters. All data were collected from medical records and there was no randomization or intervention on group selection. Statistical analysis was performed with Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test and χ² test, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of cardiovascular risk factors and pre and intraoperative variables. Evaluating the absolute use of pRBC during surgery, there was a statistically significant difference (P=0.00008) between the groups without-CS (21/44 cases; 47.7%) and with-CS (4/43 cases; 9.3%). There was also a statistically significant difference (P=0.000117) in the volumes of pRBC between the groups without-CS (198.651258.65ml) and with-CS (35.061125.67ml). On the other hand, in the early postoperative period (up to 24h) there was no difference regarding either the absolute use or the volumes of pRBC between both studied groups. CONCLUSION: Autologous erythrocyte transfusion with CS use reduces the use of intraoperative homologous pRBC in coronary artery bypass grafting surgeries associated with miniCPB.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto do sistema de autotransfusão com hemoconcentração (SAH) no uso de concentrado de hemácias (CH) em cirurgias de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM). MÉTODOS: Foi desenvolvido um estudo transversal, que incluiu 87 pacientes submetidos a CRM eletiva primária com miniCEC, sendo 44 sem uso do SAH e 43 pacientes com uso do SAH. Foi investigada a necessidade de uso e o volume de CH em cada grupo, bem como fatores de risco cardiovascular, variáveis pré-operatórias e parâmetros cirúrgicos transoperatórios por meio de coleta de dados em prontuários. Não houve randomização ou intervenção na seleção dos grupos. Na análise estatística foram utilizados os testes t de Student, teste U de Mann-Whitney, teste do qui-quadrado, com um nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Em relação a fatores de risco cardiovascular e variáveis pré e transoperatórias, não houve diferença estatística significativa entre os dois grupos. Quando se avaliou o uso absoluto de CH no transoperatório, houve diferença estatística significativa (P=0,00008) entre os grupos sem-SAH (21/44 casos; 47,7%) e com-SAH (4/43 casos; 9,3%). Na análise dos volumes de CH utilizado no transoperatório, também houve diferença significativa (P=0,000117) entre os volumes utilizados no grupo sem-SAH (198,651258,65 ml) e com-SAH (35,061125,67 ml). Já no pós-operatório imediato (até 24 horas), não houve diferença tanto no uso absoluto como nos volumes de CH entre os grupos que usaram ou não o SAH. CONCLUSÃO: A autotransfusão de hemácias possibilitada pelo uso do SAH determina menor uso de CH homólogo no transoperatório de CRM com uso de miniCEC.

Liver transplanaation in jehovah's witnesses patients in a center of northeastern Brazil

Context Liver transplantation has been accepted as a therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease and acute liver failure. Currently, Brazil has a well-established public organ transplant program, performing 7,425 solid organs transplants in 2012 alone, among which 1,595 were liver transplants. Jehovah's Witnesses report 7,6 million members worldwide. For religious reasons they refuse transfusion of whole blood or its primary components (red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets). Objective This study aims to present the results obtained with Jehovah's Witnesses patients by a liver transplantation service. Method We conducted a retrospective review of medical records from Jehovah's Witnesses patients (n = 4) who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation from September 2009 to September 2011 at the Walter Cantídio University Hospital of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Coagulation parameters such as Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Platelets, INR were evaluated during the preoperative, immediate postoperative, postoperative day (POD) 7 and POD 30. Results Coagulation parameters were expressed as means: hematocrit, 35.07% ± 6.65%, 24.6% ± 4.74%, 19.85% ± 2.10%, 31.85% ± 5.99%; hemoglobin, 12.57 g/dL ± 2.22, 8.92 g/dL ± 1.75, 6.92 g/dL ± 0.58, 11.17 g/dL ± 0.9; platelets, 160,975 mm 3 ± 148000, 128,000 mm 3 ± 34836, 65,000 mm 3 ± 33496, 234,250 mm 3 ± 287003 and INR, 143 ± 0.10, 2.4 ± 0.34, 1.24 ± 0.10, 1.14 ± 0.09. Conclusion Liver transplantation can successfully be performed in Jehovah's Witnesses patient population provided that: 1) the medical team has extensive expertise in that field, 2) the patient has an adequate level of hematologic factors preoperatively, and 3) there ...

Contexto O transplante hepático tem sido aceito como opção terapêutica para a doença hepática terminal e falência hepática aguda. Atualmente, o Brasil dispõe de um programa bem estabelecido de transplantes de órgãos, oferecido a toda população, realizando 7.425 transplantes de órgãos sólidos apenas em 2012, destes, 1.595 foram transplantes de fígado. Os membros da crença testemunhas de Jeová totalizam 7,6 milhões em todo o mundo. Por questões religiosas rejeitam transfusão de sangue e seus componentes primários (hemácias, plasma fresco congelado, plaquetas). Objetivo Este estudo visa apresentar os resultados obtidos em pacientes testemunhas de Jeová por um centro de transplante de fígado. Método Realizou-se análise retrospectiva dos registros médicos dos pacientes testemunhas de Jeová (n = 4), que realizaram transplante ortotópico de fígado de setembro de 2009 a setembro de 2011 no Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio da Universidade Federal do Ceará. Parâmetros de coagulação como hemoglobina, hematócrito, plaquetas e International Normalized Ratio (INR) foram avaliados no pré-operatório, no pós-operatório imediato, no 7° e no 30° dia do pós-operatório. Resultados As médias dos parâmetros de coagulação expressaram-se, na cronologia descrita anteriormente, como segue: hematócrito, 35.07% ± 6.65, 24.6% ± 4.74, 19.85% ± 2.10, 31.85% ± 5.99; hemoglobina, 12.57 g/dL ± 2.22, 8.92 g/dL ± 1.75, 6.92 g/dL ± 0.58, 11.17 g/dL ± 0.9; plaquetas, 160,975 mm 3 ± 148000, 128,000 mm 3 ± 34836, 65,000 mm 3 ± 33496, 234,250 mm 3 ...

O uso de recuperador de sangue em cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea / The use of cell saver system in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

INTRODUÇÃO: O uso de recuperador de sangue (RS) em cirurgia cardíaca é proposto para diminuir o uso de unidades de concentrado de hemácias estocadas (UCH), que aumenta morbidade, mortalidade e reações inflamatórias. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar se o uso do RS diminui o emprego de UCH, é custo/efetivo e traz benefícios ao paciente. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo realizado entre novembro de 2009 e outubro de 2011, em 100 pacientes consecutivos, submetidos à cirurgia cardiovascular com circulação extracorpórea (CEC), hemodiluição mínima e hemofiltração. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupo 1 (sem RS) e 2 (com RS). Os critérios para a reposição de UCH foram instabilidade hemodinâmica e hemoglobina (Hb) <7-8g/dl. Foram analisados dados demográficos, Hb, hematócrito (Ht), drenagem mediastinal e reposição de UCH, em diversos intervalos, e tempos de CEC, UTI e hospital. RESULTADOS: Nos grupos 1 e 2, a idade média foi de 64,2 e 60,6 anos, com predominância do sexo masculino, o EuroSCORE logístico de 10,3 e 9,6 e a mortalidade de 2% e 4%, não relacionada ao estudo. O grupo 2 apresentou incidência de reoperações superior (12 x 6%), mas o número de UCH usado (4,31x1,25) e o tempo de internamento hospitalar (10,8x7,4) foram menores. Realizada análise uni e multivariada, que não demonstrou valores estatisticamente significativos, exceto no uso de UCH. A relação entre o custo do RS e das UCH foi custo/efetiva e o tempo de internamento, menor. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de RS diminui o número de UCH usadas, não é custo/efetivo e mostrou benefícios ao paciente.

INTRODUCTION: The use of cell saver (CS) in cardiac surgery is proposed to reduce the use of units of packed red blood cells stored (URBC), which increases morbidity, mortality and causes inflammatory reactions. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to evaluate whether the use of CS decreases the use URBC, is cost /effective and beneficial to the patient. METHODS: In a prospective study, between November 2009 and October 2011, 100 consecutive patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery with CPB, hemodilution and hemofiltration, were enrolled. Patients were divided into group 1 (no CS) and 2 (CS). The criteria for the replacement of RBC were hemodynamic instability and hemoglobin (Hb) <7-8g/dl. Demographic data, as well as Hb and hematocrit, mediastinal drainage, number of URBC and CPB, ICU and hospital time, were analysed. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2 the average age was 64.1 and 60.6 years; predominantly male; the logistic EuroSCORE 10.3 and 9.4; mortality 2% and 4%. Group 2 had a higher incidence of reoperations (12% versus 6%), but the average of URBC used (4.31 versus 1.25) and mean length of hospital stay (10.8 versus 7.4 days) was lower. Univariate and multivariate analysis, were performed, which showed no statistically significant values, except in the use of URBC. The relationship between the CS and the cost of RBC was not cost /effective and length of stay was shorter. CONCLUSION: The use of CS decreases the number of used URBC, is not cost /effective but has shown benefits for patients.

Role of Intraoperative Red Cell Salvage and Autologus Transfusion in Metastatic Spine Surgery: A Pilot Study and Review of Literature

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PURPOSE: There has been no research examining the use of intraoperative cell salvage during metastatic spinal surgery. The present work is a pilot study investigating the role of cell salvage during metastatic spine surgery. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There is no spinal literature about role of cell salvage and autologus transfusion in metastatic spinal cancer. METHODS: Sixteen spinal metastases patients who received red cell salvage using a leucocyte depletion filter were enrolled. Of these, ten patients who received salvaged blood transfusion were included in the final analysis. Data collection involved looking at the case notes, operating room records and the prospectively updated metastatic spinal cancer database maintained in the spinal department. Cell salvage data was recovered from the central cell salvage database maintained in the anesthetic department. RESULTS: Amount of salvaged blood ranged from 120 to 600 mL (average, 318 mL). The average drop in hemoglobin was 1.65 units (range, 0.4-2.7 units). Three patients (30%) required postoperative allogenic blood transfusion. The average follow up was 9.5 months (range, 6-6 months). One patient developed new lung metastasis, at seven months. No patient developed new liver metastases. Preoperatively, six patients had diffuse skeletal metastases. Of this subgroup, three developed new skeletal metastases. No cases showed any wound related problems in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: In our study transfusion of intraoperatively salvaged blood did not result in disseminated metastatic cancer. We would suggest that red cell salvage might have a role during metastatic spine surgery.