Effect of autotrasfusion device affecting allotransfusion after total knee arthroplasty

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We tried to find out the use of allogeneic blood transfusion can be reduced after total knee arthroplasty, when autotransfusion device is used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy one patients who were performed unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) from January 2001 to February 2005 by one surgeon were selected. They were divided into 2 groups. First group of 29 patients were those who did not use the autotransfusion device and second group of 42 patients were those who used the autotransfusion device in postoperative period. Retrospective analysis was done. First group received allogeneic blood transfusion by a standard level of postopera - tive hemoglobin. Second group were reinfused as much blood as collected by autotransfusion suction bag and then received allogeneic blood transfusion by a standard level of postoperative hemoglobin. Postoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit, total blood loss, total amount of blood transfusion in group 1, 2 were analyzed. These categories were statistically analysed. RESULT: Total blood loss and amount of blood transfusion were almost the same in two groups. The mean amount of allotransfusion was 77.1+/-66.3 cc in group II and 440.7+/-252.7 cc in group I. It showed statistically less amount in group II (multiple regression test, P=0.04). Other factors such as age, sex and disease categories, etc did not show the statistical correlation. CONCLUSION: Using autotransfusion device reduced the mean 363.6 cc of allotransfusion after unilateral TKA. Therefore Autotransfusion device seemed to be a good method to reduce allotransfusion for TKA.