Der Anaesthesist
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Intraoperative autotransfusion is contraindicated in cancer surgery because of the possible risk of systemic tumor spread. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a cell saver in combination with a white blood cell depletion filter can remove osteosarcoma cells. ⋯ The sole use of the autotransfuser DIDECO BT 795/P during osteosarcoma surgery is not recommended because of the potential danger of retransfusion of malignant cells. In combination with the leukocyte depletion filter PALL BPF 4, no osteosarcoma cells were identified in the red cell concentrate. Since the adhesiveness of tumor cells from established cell lines may be different from that of tumor cells in the intraoperative salvaged blood, further studies with blood from the surgical field are necessary to determine the efficacy of white cell depletion filters to eliminate osteosarcoma cells.