O3236 POSTOPERATIVE AUTOLOGOUS BLOOD SALVAGE IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY REDUCES HOMOLOGOUS BLOOD TRANSFUSION REQUIREMENTS – FACT OR FICTION?

Abstract

Aims: To study whether re-transfusion of autologus blood from solcotrans drains reduced banked blood transfusion requirement in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKR). Methods: 195 patients with unilateral primary TKR using the same surgical technique and implants were prospectively reviewed. Group 1: In 120 cases, solcotrans drain system used for postoperative blood salvage and reinfusion. Group 2: 75 cases had standard redivac drains. Homologous blood transfusions used if post-operative haemoglobin < 9 gm. Factors like weight and height, and pre-operative haemoglobin levels were also studied. Results: Group 1: Average blood loss: 598 ml. 88 cases (71%) had reinfusion of autologous salvaged blood, average re-transfusion: 271 ml (range: 200 Ð 1160 ml). In 29% (32 cases), there was not enough blood in solcotrans drains for re-transfusion. 29 patients (23%) required banked blood transfusion in whom average blood loss was 720 ml, average number of units transfused: 1.6. In 10 of the 29 cases, there was not enough blood in solcotrans drains for re-transfusion. Group 2: Average blood loss: 588 ml. 20 cases (26%) required banked blood transfusion in whom average blood loss was 758 ml. Average number of units transfused: 1.9. Conclusions: In our study, solcotrans system did not reduce the requirement of banked blood transfusion signiþcantly in TKR. In both groups, low levels of preop-erative haemoglobin, low weight and amount of blood loss inßuenced banked blood requirement (p< 0.05).