Prospective comparative study of two different autotransfusion methods versus control group in total knee replacement.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two different autotransfusion methods in total knee replacement (TKR) performed without tourniquet, in comparison to allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) only.

Method: In a comparative study, 248 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomized in three groups: in control Group 85 the patients underwent only ABT post-operatively, in Group 1 (n:92) an intraoperative and postoperative autotransfusion were utilized, and in Group 2 (n:71) only a postoperative autotransfusion was applied. Post-operative ABT was utilized according to predetermined criteria.

Results: Comparing Group 0 to Group 1 and 2 the difference in need for ABT post-operatively was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001) even when the results were analyzed classifying the patients according to the preoperative Hb levels. The difference between Group 1 and 2 was not significant.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, auto-transfusion reduces the need for ABT in TKR performed without tourniquet.