Transfusion
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This study was designed to obtain data on the incidence of postoperative infection in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery and receiving white blood cell (WBC)-filtered blood components prepared according to current standards. ⋯ Differences in postoperative infection rates between allogeneic and autologous recipients are still observable, although universal WBC filtration has been introduced into clinical practice.
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Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) regularly results in postoperative requirement of blood transfusion. Because of the disadvantages of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) such as the risk of transfusion-associated infections, incompatibility-related transfusion fatalities, or immunomodulatory effects, a continuing effort to reduce allogeneic blood transfusion is important. For this purpose, the effect of reinfusion of drain blood, via a postoperative wound drainage and reinfusion system, on the need for allogeneic blood transfusion was evaluated. ⋯ We conclude that the Bellovac ABT device reduces allogeneic blood transfusions in TKA and THA.