INTRAOPERATIVE AUTOTRANSFUSION IN RECONSTRUCTIVE HIP-JOINT SURGERY OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS AND ANKYLOSING-SPONDYLITIS

The efficacy of a simple, low-cost device designed for intraoperative blood salvage and reinfusion, known as the Sorensen system, was studied during 24 hip joint operations in adult patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. The total need for homologous blood was reduced to 28%, compared with a matched control group of patients who had previously undergone hip surgery by homologous blood replacement. In primary hip-replacement operations, the need for blood was met either completely by autotransfused blood or by the addition of 1 or 2 units of homologous blood. In revision arthroplasties, the maximal need for homologous blood was 6 units owing to a greater blood loss during operation. Postoperative changes in several hematologic variables measured were all very small. The autotransfusion system proved easy and safe to operate. No patients manifested complications. In our experience, the system may be considered an underutilized resource in rheumatological surgery.