Abstract
In orthopedic surgery, the reinfusion of shed blood collected postoperatively has become a frequently employed procedure to save homologous blood. Its advantages over the use of homologous blood transfusion include the absence not only of immunologic reactions caused by homologous blood but also of possible transmission of infectious diseases. The disadvantage is the risk of contamination of the shed blood and its hematogenous spread. The following measures have been recommended to decrease these risks: in the presence of infections, malignancies, and coagulopathies the reinfusion is contraindicated. A perioperative antibiotic coverage is advisable. The system must be connected under sterile conditions. Neither anticoagulants nor stabilizing factors should be added later on. The system should not be disconnected and reconnected. Should any febrile reaction occur, the reinfusion has to be stopped immediately. Shed blood should only be collected during the first 6 postoperative hours.
Published Version
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