OBJECTIVE: We applied intraoperative autotransfusion (IAT) as a method of decreasing or avoiding homologous blood transfusions during urological cancer surgery and assessed the availability of the IAT.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: IAT was performed in 7 patients with bladder cancer who underwent retropubic radical cystectomy (Cx group) and in 4 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy (Px group). Blood shed in operation fields was collected and processed with an IAT device. The volume of blood loss, homologous blood transfused, and autologous blood transfused during surgery were assessed.
RESULTS: In the Cx group, intraoperative blood loss ranged from 1,086 to 2,673 ml (mean: 1,757 ml), and homologous blood transfusions ranged from 0 to 1,000 ml (mean: 457 ml). Autologous blood was processed by IAT device and the amount transfused ranged from 380 to 980 ml (mean: 607 ml). Two patients did not require homologous blood transfusion. In the Px group, intraoperative blood loss ranged from 1,160 to 1,550 ml (mean: 1,356 ml). Autologous blood was processed by IAT device and the amount transfused ranged from 540 to 990 ml (mean: 745 ml). None of the patients required homologous blood transfusion.
CONCLUSION: IAT is a feasible method of reducing or avoiding homologous blood transfusion in radical cystectomy and retropubic radical prostatectomy.
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