Intraoperative autotransfusion for repair of unruptured aneurysms of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. A multicenter study of 203 patients. Association Universitaire de Recherche en Chirurgie (AURC).

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The goals of this study were to evaluate the costs and savings of intra- and postoperative blood transfusions as well as the potential biological modifications associated with the use of intraoperative blood salvage. METHODS: Intraoperative autotransfusion (IOAT) with wash-out was prospectively studied during the repair of unruptured aneurysms of infrarenal abdominal aorta in 203 patients operated on in 13 institutions. RESULTS: The mean quantity of blood retrieved was 688+/-468 mL The mean quantity of blood derivatives and intraoperative solutes used for repletion was 4,261 ml, ranging from 1,723 ml between days 0 to D2 to 562 ml from D3 to D8. Ninety-eight patients did not receive any blood derivatives at all. Thirty-five patients received plasma to correct coagulation factors. The quantity of autotransfused globular concentrate was less than 500 ml in 89 patients. CONCLUSIONS: IOAT precluded the need for transfusion of homologous globular concentrates, particularly in those patients who had bled most. On average, more than two globular concentrates were recuperated. Use of IOAT led to financial savings. Perioperative bleeding is not the only factor that intervenes in the decision to transfuse globular concentrates. Postoperative dilution is the most important factor as attested by the amount of protides and the hematocrit. Coagulation factors are modified but remain compatible with normal hematosis in 83% of patients undergoing operation.