Autotransfusion methods in urology: Cost-benefit analysis

Abstract

The use of homologous blood in surgical practice gives rise to heavy risk of transmission of infectious diseases, particularly viral hepatitis and A.I.D.S. Blood transfusion, in the form of predeposit and intra-operative recovery, avoids these risks, as well as to improving operating conditions complying furthermore with the recent provision of the law about blood transfusion. At our urological department, in the period 1986–1992 more than 400 blood pre-deposits have been performed. Since 1990 intraoperative blood recovery has been used in addition to the pre-deposit technique, recovering blood from TURP washing fluid by means of a cellular separator, at first experimentally and then in surgical routine. The Authors report their experience and many considerations concerning economical, sanitary and forensic points of view.