Abstract
Introduction: Total knee replacement commonly results in postoperative requirement of blood transfusion. Allogeneic blood transfusion carries transfusion related risks, continuing effort to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion is important. The purpose of this study was to asses the economic justification of the use of an autologous blood transfusion after total knee replacement and to determine whether it reduces allogeneic blood transfusion and length of postoperative hospital stay.
Patients and Methods: Retrospectively, 149 patients undergoing primary unilateral total knee replacement using vacuum drain were selected. Demographics, pre and postoperative haemoglobin were recorded. Need for allogeneic blood and postoperative hospital stay were also recorded.
Results: 8% (n12) received allogeneic blood. The average amounts received were 2 units. Mean length of stay in those received allogeneic blood were (n12) 8.1 days. Mean length of hospital stay in those not transfused (n137) were 5.5 days (p< 0.05). The cost of allogeneic blood per patient £29.31. Total cost of retansfusion system per patients £60.8. Excess bed occupancy in those transfused £55.21. The cost saving for employing a retransfuion system (55.21+29.31)−60.8 = £24.44 per patient.
Conclusion: Employing autologous retransfusion system is effective method of reducing allogeneic blood requirement. Retransfusion system will reduce in hospital stay to the level seen patients not transfused. There would be a significant economic benefit in utilising such system in district general hospitals.
Correspondence should be addressed to EORS Secretariat Mag. Gerlinde M. Jahn, c/o Vienna Medical Academy, Alserstrasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria. Fax: +43-1-4078274. Email: eors@medacad.org
