Allogeneic Blood Transfusion Research Articles

HPB O02 Autologous blood transfusion reduces the requirement for peri-operative allogenic blood transfusion in patients undergoing major hepatopancreatobiliary surgery

Abstract Background Major hepatopancreatobiliary surgery is associated with a risk of major blood loss. We aimed to assess whether autologous transfusion of blood salvaged intra-operatively reduces the requirement for post-operative allogenic transfusion in this patient cohort. Methods In this single centre study, information from a prospective database of 501 patients undergoing major HPB resection (2015–2022) was analysed. Patients who received cell salvage (n=264) were compared with those who did not (n=237). Non-autologous (allogenic) transfusion was assessed from the time of surgery to 5 days post-surgery, and blood loss tolerance was calculated using the Lemmens-Bernstein-Brodosky formula. Multivariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with allogenic blood transfusion avoidance. Results 32% of lost blood volume was replaced through autologous transfusion in patients receiving cell salvage. Although the cell salvage group experienced significantly higher intra-operative blood loss compared with the non-cell salvage group (1360ml vs 971ml, p=0.0005), they received significantly less allogenic red blood cell units (1.5 vs 0.92 units/patient, p=0.03). Correction of blood loss tolerance in patients who underwent cell salvage was independently associated with avoidance of allogenic transfusion (OR 0.05 (0.006-0.38) p=0.005). In a subgroup analysis, cell salvage use was associated with a significant reduction in 30-day mortality in patients undergoing major hepatectomy (6% vs 1%, P=0.04). Conclusions Cell salvage use was associated with a reduction in allogenic blood transfusion and a reduction in 30-day mortality in patients undergoing major hepatectomy. Prospective trials are warranted to understand whether the use of cell salvage should be routinely utilised for major hepatectomy.

Evaluation of the Feasibility of Transfusing Leukocyte Depletion Filter-Processed Intraoperative Cell Salvage Blood in Metastatic Spine Tumor Surgery: Protocol for a Non-Randomized Study.

Metastatic spine tumor surgery (MSTS) is often complex and extensive leading to significant blood loss. Allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) is the mainstay of blood replenishment but with immune-mediated postoperative complications. Alternative blood management techniques (salvaged blood transfusion [SBT]) allow us to overcome such complications. Despite widespread use of intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) in oncological and nononcological surgical procedures, surgeons remain reluctant to use IOCS in MSTS. This study aims to analyze safety of IOCS-leukocyte depletion filter (LDF)-processed blood transfusion for patients undergoing MSTS by assessing clinical outcomes-disease progression: tumor progression and overall survival. This study evaluates whether reinfusion of IOCS-LDF-processed blood reduces ABT rates in patients undergoing MSTS by sorting patients undergoing MSTS who require ABT into patients who consent to receive or not receive SBT. We aim to recruit a minimum of 90 patients-30 patients for SBT, 30 patients for ABT, and 30 patients with no blood transfusion. SBT and ABT form the 2 experimental arms, whereas no blood transfusion forms the control cohort. Available patient data will be reviewed to determine tumor burden secondary to metastasis and postoperative survival and disease progression, improvement in pain, and neurological and ambulatory status. Data collected will be studied postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months or until demise, whichever occurs first. Outcomes of the experimental groups will be compared with those of the control group. Outcomes will be analyzed using 1-way ANOVA and Fisher exact test. The Kaplan-Meier curve and a log-rank test will be used to study overall survival. A multivariate and competing risk analysis will be used to study the association between blood transfusion type and tumor progression. All statistical analyses will be done using Stata Special Edition 14.0 (StataCorp LP). This is the largest clinical study on use of IOCS in MSTS from various primary malignancies to date. It will provide significant clinical evidence regarding the safety and applicability of IOCS in MSTS. It will help reduce use of ABT, improving overall blood management of patients undergoing MSTS. A limitation of this study is that not all patients undergoing MSTS will survive for the follow-up period (4 years), theoretically leading to underreporting of disease progression. Study commenced in 2016 and patient recruitment continued till 2019. As of September 2019, we have collected operative data on 140 patients. However, the 2-year outcomes of about 40.0% (56/140) of patients are in the process of collection. The study is aimed to be published in the years 2023-2024. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, paving the way for future studies. DERR1-10.2196/54609.

The role of acute normovolemic hemodilution in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion in glioblastoma surgery: a case–control study

BackgroundAcute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) was first introduced in glioblastoma surgery, and its role in reducing allogeneic blood transfusion was investigated in this study.MethodsThis study enrolled supratentorial glioblastoma patients who received total resection. In the ANH group, the patients were required to draw blood before the operation, and the blood will be transfused back to the patient during the operation. The association between ANH and clinical features was investigated.ResultsSixty supratentorial glioblastoma patients were enrolled in this study, 25 patients were allocated in the ANH group, and another 35 patients were included in the control group. ANH dramatically reduced the need for allogeneic blood transfusion (3 [12%] vs 12 [34.3%], P = 0.049), and the blood transfusion per total of patients was dramatically decreased by the application of ANH (0.40 ± 1.15 units vs 1.06 ± 1.59 units, P = 0.069). Furthermore, ANH also markedly reduced the requirement of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion (2 [8%] vs 11 [31.4%], P = 0.030) and the volume of FFP transfusion per total of patients (32.00 ± 114.46 mL vs 115.71 ± 181.00 mL, P = 0.033). The complication rate was similar between the two groups.ConclusionsANH was a safe and effective blood conservation technique in glioblastoma surgery.

The Definition of Anemia Matters When Using Preoperative Hemoglobin as a Screening Tool Prior to Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPreoperative anemia is common in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Several definitions of anemia have been described, with no clear consensus on the optimal one for preoperative screening. We hypothesized that depending on the definition used preoperatively, the proportion of anemic patients identified who would require a postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion would vary significantly. MethodsA total of 681,141 patients were identified in a national database who underwent either THA or TKA. Preoperative anemia was classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition, Cleveland Clinic (CC) definition, or race, age, and sex-specific definition described by Beutler et al in 2006. The optimal preoperative (OP) hemoglobin thresholds to predict perioperative transfusions were also calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves. ResultsWhen using the WHO definition, 18% of anemic patients required a transfusion versus 14% (OP definition), 12% (CC definition), and 16% (Beutler definition). Similarly, 0.69% of anemic patients sustained a periprosthetic joint infection within 30 days using the WHO definition versus 0.59% (OP definition), 0.60% (CC definition), or 0.66% (Beutler definition). Using the WHO definition, 5.3% of patients would have sustained a major complication versus 4.5% (OP definition), 4.4% (CC definition), and 5.0% (Beutler definition). ConclusionsVariation in the definition of anemia for preoperative screening in THA and TKA results in substantial differences in discriminative ability to predict perioperative transfusions. The WHO definition identified the largest proportion of patients who ultimately received a perioperative transfusion.

The Efficacy and Safety of Tranexamic Acid in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Literature Review.

Historically, total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been associated with significant perioperative blood loss and a relatively high rate of allogeneic blood transfusions. However, in recent years, tranexamic acid (TXA), a competitive inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator, inhibiting fibrinolysis of existing thrombi, has substantially decreased the need for blood transfusion in THA and TKA. Various administration strategies have been studied, but there remains a lack of consensus on an optimal route and dosing regimen, with intravenous and topical regimens being widely used. A growing body of literature has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of TXA in primary and revision THA and TKA to reduce blood loss, allogeneic transfusions, and complications; it is associated with lowered lengths of stay, costs, and readmission rates.

Safe and Effective Blood Preservation Through Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution and Low-Dose Tranexamic Acid in Open Partial Hepatectomy.

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) and acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) with 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) in minimizing blood loss during open partial liver resection. Coagulation function was assessed using thromboelastography (TEG) and hemostasis tests, while renal function changes were tracked through serum creatinine values post-surgery. Thirty patients undergoing open partial liver resection were allocated to two groups: Group T received TXA + ANH, and Group A received ANH alone. Blood was drawn from the radial artery under general anesthesia. Both groups received peripheral vein injections of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4. Group T additionally received intravenous TXA. Primary outcomes included blood loss and allogeneic blood transfusions. TEG assessed coagulation status and renal function was monitored. Group T demonstrated superior outcomes compared to Group A. Group T had significantly lower intraoperative blood loss (700 mL vs 1200 mL) and a lower bleeding rate per kilogram of body weight (13.3 mL/kg vs 20.4 mL/kg). Coagulation parameters favored Group T, with higher TEG maximum amplitude (55.91 mm vs 45.88 mm) and lower activated partial thromboplastin time (38.04 seconds vs 41.49 seconds). Neither group experienced acute renal injury or kidney function deficiency during hospitalization. TXA and ANH in a small dose during liver resection stabilize clotting, reduce blood loss by 6% compared to hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4, and do not affect renal function.

The impact of anemia and blood transfusion on mortality after open abdominal surgery in the elderly

BackgroundMajor abdominal surgery is associated with considerable mortality in the elderly. Anemia has been linked to increased mortality in other types of surgery, such as hip and cardiac surgery. This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative anemia on mortality in the elderly undergoing major abdominal surgery, and how allogeneic red cell blood transfusion influences mortality in these patients.Materials and methodsWe conducted a single-center, register-based retrospective study on patients, who were aged beyond 60 years and underwent one of 81 open abdominal surgical procedures. Patients operated on during the period from January 1, 2000, to May 31, 2013, were consecutively identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Plasma hemoglobin was measured within 30 days prior to surgery and the primary endpoint was 30-day postoperative mortality. Information about patient transfusions from the hospital blood bank was available from 1998 to 2010.ResultsA total of 3199 patients were included of whom 85% underwent emergency surgery. The total mortality after 30 days was 20%. The median preoperative hemoglobin value of survivors was 7.7 mmol/L vs 6.9 mmol/L in those who died. The difference in hemoglobin values, between those who survived or died, decreased from the pre- to the post-operative phase. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 28%, 20%, and 12% in patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level in the lower, median, and upper quartile respectively. Transfusion therapy was associated with higher postoperative mortality, except in patients with very low hemoglobin values.ConclusionPreoperative anemia has a clear association with surgically related mortality. The distribution of hemoglobin values in patients with a fatal outcome differs significantly from that of survivors. Red cell transfusion is associated with increased mortality, except in patients with very low hemoglobin values which supports recent guidelines suggesting a restrictive transfusion strategy.

Ferric derisomaltose and Outcomes in the Recovery of Gynecologic oncology: ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) (FORGE) – a protocol for a pilot randomised double-blinded parallel-group placebo-controlled study of the feasibility and efficacy of intravenous ferric derisomaltose to correct preoperative iron-deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing gynaecological oncology surgery

IntroductionIron-deficiency anaemia is common in gynaecological oncology patients. Blood transfusions are immunosuppressive and carry immediate and long-term risks. Oral iron replacement remains the standard of care but requires prolonged treatment...

A secure blood-saving protocol for Jehovah's Witnesses in primary total hip replacement.

The study aimed to analyze the efficacy of the blood management protocol developed by our team for patients who are Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) presenting for primary total hip replacement (THR). Thirty JW patients (6 males, 24 females; mean age: 70.1±9.8 years; range, 65 to 81 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched controls (6 males, 24 females; mean age: 68.7±9.1 years; range, 62 to 79 years) who underwent primary THR at our institution between January 2018 and June 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. While the surgical technique of THR was not different among the groups, blood loss management differed between the groups. Patients in the control group were given 1 g of intravenous tranexamic acid (TXA) 15 min before the surgical incision. In addition to the same TXA protocol, intraoperative cell salvage with a continuous autologous transfusion system was used for JW patients. The estimated blood loss (EBL) was determined using Meunier's formula. Hemoglobin (Hgb) decline, EBL on the first and third postoperative days, allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) requirement, and complications were analyzed between groups. There were no significant differences between groups regarding demographic and clinical characteristics (p>0.05), ABT requirement (p>0.999), and Hgb decline in the first and third postoperative days (p=0.540 and p=0.836, respectively). Furthermore, both groups did not significantly differ between EBL in the first and third postoperative days (p=0.396 and p=0.616, respectively) and the length of hospital stay (p=0.547). Similar complication rates were noted for both groups. Hemoglobin level assessments revealed that values on the first and third postoperative days were significantly lower than the baseline Hgb value in both cohorts (p<0.001). A combination of intravenous administration of 1 g of TXA, meticulous hemostasis, and intraoperative use of cell saver constitutes a reasonable strategy for achieving the goal of transfusion-free primary THR with predictable levels of blood loss that are similar to non-JW patients.

Effects of intraoperative or postoperative administration of intravenous iron supplements on hemoglobin recovery in patients with total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objectives of the researchers are as follows: First, to investigate whether intraoperative or postoperative administration of Intravenous (IV) iron supplements in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can contribute to the hemoglobin recovery during the postoperative period (between 4 and 8 weeks after surgery). Second, to examine whether the administration of IV iron supplements during or immediately after TKA in patients undergoing primary TKA can reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusion during hospitalization. Articles published between January 1, 1990, and June 30, 2023 were searched in PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. The population, intervention, comparison, and outcome of this study are as follows; Population: Patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty; Intervention: Administration of IV iron supplements during or immediately after surgery; Comparison: Non-administration of IV iron supplements; Outcome: Degree of hemoglobin recovery (between 4 and 8 weeks after surgery) and the need for blood transfusion during hospitalization. There was a statistically significant difference in the amount of change in hemoglobin between iron supplementation group and non-iron supplementation group. The effect size were -0.44 (95% confidence interval: -0.69 to -0.19, P value < .001) in all patients. This means that the amount of change in hemoglobin were significantly reduced in the iron supplementation group than in the non-iron supplementation group. There was a statistically significant difference for post-operative transfusion rate between 2 groups. The effect size were 0.28 (95% confidence interval: 0.10-0.81, P value = .02) in all patients. This means that the post-operative transfusion rate was significantly less in the iron supplementation group than in the non-iron supplementation group. The administration of IV iron supplements during or after TKA surgery increases hemoglobin recovery between 4 and 8 weeks after surgery and reduces the need for allogeneic blood transfusion during hospitalization.

Basic Principles of Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) and the Role of ROTEM-Guided Fibrinogen Replacement Therapy in the Management of Coagulopathies.

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a viscoelastic method, which provides a graphical and numerical representation of induced hemostasis in whole blood samples. Its ability to quickly assess the state of hemostasis is used in the management of bleeding from a variety of causes. The separate activation of particular parts of hemocoagulation in INTEM, EXTEM, and FIBTEM tests allows for a more comprehensive and faster evaluation of the missing component of hemostasis followed by targeted therapy. One of the most common cause of coagulopathy is trauma-induced coagulopathy. Fibrinogen replacement therapy by ROTEM allows for the use of a standard dosage of fibrinogen, which has been shown to be successful in preventing dilutional coagulopathy following colloid and crystalloid replacement and excessive amount of allogeneic blood transfusions. The best reflection of fibrinogen activity is observed in the FIBTEM assay, where fibrinogen replacement therapy is recommended at an MCF (maximum clot firmness) of FIBTEM < 10 mm and FIBTEM A10 < 7 mm. ROTEM also plays an important role in the diagnostic and management of inherited fibrinogen disorders. These can be manifested by bleeding complications, where changes in the MCF parameter are the most useful tool for assessing the effectiveness of fibrinogen replacement therapy. ROTEM-guided bleeding management algorithms effectively reduce the number of transfusions, healthcare costs, and complications, leading to the improvement of patient safety and overall health.

Perioperative Blood Management Programme in Jehovah’s Witnesses Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasties aim to improve quality of life and reduce pain in patients suffering from late-stage hip osteoarthritis. On the other hand, it may represent a risky surgical procedure in people who refuse blood products because of religious beliefs, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW). Preoperative optimisation protocols of these patients allow medical professionals to perform arthroplasties in a safer manner, avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion. In our retrospective study, two groups of patients were evaluated. Group 1 included JW patients who underwent a preoperative Hb optimisation program; Group 2 included non-JW patients authorizing transfusion in case of necessity. Differences in Hb levels were as follows: before surgery (JW 14.24 ± 1.10 vs. non-JW 12.48 ± 1.00, p-value ≤ 0.05), and after surgery (day 1 Hb: JW 12.88 ± 0.90 vs. non-JW 10.04 ± 1.30, p-value ≤ 0.05; day 3 Hb: JW 14.65 ± 0.80 vs. non-JW 9.10 ± 0.90 p-value ≤ 0.05). Moreover, cost-effectiveness strategies were evaluated in both groups. Our findings support that patient blood management programs are a safe and good strategy in hip prosthetic surgery, decreasing risks and transfusion overuse.

Point-of-care, goal-directed management of bleeding in trauma patients.

The purpose of this review is to consider the clinical value of point-of-care (POC) testing in coagulopathic trauma patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). Patients suffering from severe TBI or TIC are at risk of developing pronounced haemostatic disorders. Standard coagulation tests (SCTs) are insufficient to reflect the complexity of these coagulopathies. Recent evidence has shown that viscoelastic tests (VETs) identify haemostatic disorders more rapidly and in more detail than SCTs. Moreover, VET results can guide coagulation therapy, allowing individualised treatment, which decreases transfusion requirements. However, the impact of VET on mortality remains uncertain. In contrast to VETs, the clinical impact of POC platelet function testing is still unproven. POC SCTs are not able to characterise the complexity of trauma-associated coagulopathy. VETs provide a rapid estimation of underlying haemostatic disorders, thereby providing guidance for haemostatic therapy, which impacts allogenic blood transfusion requirements. The value of POC platelet function testing to identify platelet dysfunction and guide platelet transfusion is still uncertain.

Does perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion worsen the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma? A meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies.

Allogeneic blood transfusion is required in a part of liver resection. The effect of allogeneic blood transfusion on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains controversial. To investigate whether perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PBT) affects the long-term prognosis of patients with HCC, we conducted a meta-analysis that included only propensity score-matched (PSM) studies. The Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to identify PSM studies that compared the long-term outcomes of allogeneic blood transfusion in resected HCC patients. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were calculated. This meta-analysis included 9 PSM studies with 12 datasets involving 2476 patients. Lower OS and RFS in HCC patients receiving allogeneic blood transfusion were observed than those in patients not receiving blood transfusion (OS: hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.64; p < 0.01; RFS: HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.56; p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that among patients with BCLC A HCC, those receiving allogeneic blood transfusion had lower OS and RFS (OS: HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.61-3.21; RFS: HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.30-3.41). OS and RFS were similar in both groups of patients with BCLC B and C HCC. The receipt of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion is associated with a decrease in OS and RFS. These results seem to be reliable for patients in BCLC stage A. But more high-quality research is needed to confirm this conclusion.

Outcomes of direct anterior approach for uncemented total hip replacement in medial femoral neck fractures: a retrospective comparative study on the first 100 consecutive patients

BackgroundWith the aging of the population, the incidence of medial femoral neck fractures is likely to increase, and along them the need for total hip replacement. The present study aimed to analyze whether the use of the direct anterior hip approach, compared with posterolateral approach in medial proximal femur fracture patients, results in any advantage in terms of complications rate and functional recovery.MethodsA total of 162 patients were included in the study, and divided by approach: 100 performed with direct anterior approach (group A) and 62 with posterolateral approach (group B). The two populations were overlapping in age (75 vs 74 years; p = 0.13), sex (58F 42M vs 46F 16M; p = 0.12) and BMI (24 vs 24; p = 0.77).ResultsGroup A showed a higher ASA score compared to group B (3 vs 2; p = 0.04). Similar hospital stays (7 vs 7 days; p = 0.55) and complication rates (6% vs 8%; p = 0.61) were observed among groups, the most frequent being periprosthetic fractures, and need for allogeneic blood transfusion (20% vs 13%; p = 0.25). Patients in group A (96 vs 85 min; p = 0.10) showed a slightly, longer surgical time and a faster postoperative functional recovery witnessed by the ability to climb stairs at hospital discharge (37% vs 21%; p = 0.041).ConclusionThe use of the direct anterior hip approach was effective in the management of frail patients with medial femoral neck fractures managed by total hip arthroplasty, allowing faster functional recovery in the elderly population.

Implementation of national Patient Blood Management recommendations is associated with a reduction in allogeneic blood transfusion – a single-centre, before-and-after, retrospective study of 1174 patients

Implementation of national Patient Blood Management recommendations is associated with a reduction in allogeneic blood transfusion – a single-centre, before-and-after, retrospective study of 1174 patients

Intraoperative cell salvage in revision hip arthroplasty.

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the evidence for the use of intraoperative cell salvage in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty, and specifically to analyze the available data in order to quantify any associated reduction in the use of allogenic blood transfusion, and the volume which is used. An electronic search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was completed from the date of their inception to 24 February 2022, using a search strategy and protocol created in conjunction with the PRISMA statement. Inclusion criteria were patients aged > 18 years who underwent revision hip arthroplasty when cell salvage was used. Studies in which pre-donated red blood cells were used were excluded. A meta-analysis was also performed using a random effects model with significance set at p = 0.05. Of the 283 studies which were identified, 11 were included in the systematic review, and nine in the meta-analysis. There was a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the proportion of patients requiring allogenic transfusion between groups, with an odds ratio of 0.331 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.165 to 0.663) associated with the use of cell salvage. For a total of 561 patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty who were treated with cell salvage, 247 (44.0%) required allogenic transfusion compared with 418 of 643 patients (65.0%) who were treated without cell salvage. For those treated with cell salvage, the mean volume of allogenic blood which was required was 1.95 units (390 ml) per patient (0.7 to 4.5 units), compared with 3.25 units (650 ml) per patient (1.2 to 7.0 units) in those treated without cell salvage. The mean difference of -1.91 units (95% CI -4.0 to 0.2) in the meta-analysis was also significant (p = 0.003). We found a a significant reduction in the need for allogenic blood transfusion when cell salvage was used in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty, supporting its routine use in these patients. Further research is required to determine whether this effect is associated with types of revision arthroplasty of differing complexity.

Autologous Blood Transfusion for Ectopic Pregnancy: A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem

Background: Ruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause life threatening hemorrhagic shock in females. Allogenic blood transfusion is limited in resource-constrained settings but autologous blood is readily available. This study reports a case series of autologous blood transfusions performed between September and November 2004 in an emergency hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Monrovia, Liberia in West Africa during a period of civil war in the country. Methods: Out of a total 180 major surgery performed during that time, 16 were for ectopic pregnancy. After relevant history and examination, four quadrant aspiration of abdomen with 10 ml syringe was performed in suspected cases of ectopic pregnancy. Resistance free aspiration of blood in the syringe was taken as positive for intra-peritoneal hemorrhage and received immediate surgery. Blood was collected from the patient’s abdominal cavity with a bowl, filtered through 9 layers of gauze, packed into ACD bottles and transfused intra-operatively. Results: A minimum of 700 and maximum 2250 ml of blood was thus transfused. All patients survived the surgery with no operative or transfusion related complications and were discharged home within a few days. Conclusion: Autologous blood transfusion is a safe, simple and economic alternative to allogenic blood transfusion for surgeries, like ectopic pregnancy, in resource limited setting.

Perioperative safety and efficacy of robot-assisted total hip arthroplasty in ERAS-managed patients: a pilot study

AimsRobot-assisted total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) boasts superior accuracy in implant placement, but there is a lack of effective assessment in perioperative management in the context of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of rTHA versus conventional total hip arthroplasty (cTHA) in ERAS-managed patients.MethodsIn this prospective trial, a total of 60 eligible patients aged between 18 and 80 years were randomly divided into two groups to undergo either rTHA or cTHA. The primary outcomes included blood loss parameters. Secondary outcomes were the duration of the operation, surgical time, WOMAC pain score, WOMAC stiffness score, WOMAC physical function score, Harris score, and postoperative complications.ResultsThe study cohort analyzed 59 eligible participants, 30 of whom underwent rTHA and 29 of whom underwent cTHA. Analysis could not be conducted for one patient due to severe anemia. Notably, the cTHA group had a significantly shorter surgical time than the rTHA group (69.49 ± 18.97 vs. 104.20 ± 19.63 min, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the rTHA and cTHA groups for blood loss parameters, including total blood loss (1280.30 ± 404.01 vs. 1094.86 ± 494.39 ml, P = 0.137) and drainage volume (154.35 ± 121.50 vs. 159.13 ± 135.04 ml, P = 0.900), as well as intraoperative blood loss (126.67 ± 38.80 vs. 118.52 ± 60.68 ml, P = 0.544) and hidden blood loss (982.43 ± 438.83 vs. 784.00 ± 580.96 ml, P = 0.206). Only one patient in the cTHA group required allogeneic blood transfusion. At 3 months postoperatively, both groups showed improvements in WOMAC pain score, WOMAC stiffness score, WOMAC physical function score, and Harris score, with no significant differences found between the two groups. Few complications were reported in both groups without significant differences.ConclusionsDespite the longer surgical time, rTHA did not negatively affect blood loss, pain, or functional recovery or lead to an increased risk of complications in ERAS-managed patients, suggesting that rTHA can be safely and effectively incorporated into an ERAS program for primary THA.

Perioperative blood management programme in Jehovah’s witnesses undergoing total knee arthroplasty: clinical results and cost-benefit analysis

Introduction Total knee arthroplasties have the purpose to improve quality of life from joint-related pain. On the other hand, it may represent a risky surgical procedure in people who refuse blood products due to their religious beliefs, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW). Preoperative optimization protocols of these patients allow performing arthroplasties in a safer manner avoiding allogeneic blood transfusion. Methods In our retrospective study, 2 groups of patients were evaluated. Group 1, included JW patients who underwent a preoperative Hb optimisation programme; group 2 included non-JW patients authorizing transfusion in case of necessity. Results Differences in Hb levels were: before surgery (JW 13,63±1,26 vs. non-JW 12,83±1,21, p-value=0,22), after surgery (day 1 Hb: JW 12,26±1,47 vs. non-JW 10,88±1,87, p-value=0,1; day 3 Hb: JW 10±2,97 vs. non-JW 9,23±1,07 p-value=0,64). In the JW group the mean Hb concentration decreased from 13,63±1,26 g/dL preoperatively to 12,26±1,47 g/dL (day 1) while in non-JW group fell from 12,83± g/dL to 10,88± g/dL. There was no statistically-difference between the 2 groups. Moreover, cost-effectiveness strategies were evaluated in both groups. Conclusion Our findings support that PBM programs represent a safe and good strategy in knee prosthetic surgery, decreasing costs, risks and transfusion overuse.