[Autotransfusion in acute hemoperitoneum].

This procedure is well known, there were 2 000 cases reported in the literature with a very small number of complications. Is autotransfusion really efficacious? According to the author's results in 9 cases of hemoperitoneum, the red cells obtained by this method are quantitatively valid, but hemolysis starts early (6 hours) and the disappearance of the platelets and coagulation factors occurs even more early (2 hours). However, clinical tolerance is perfect, thus confirming the good experimental results obtained in animals. The true limits are hemolysis and the risk of contamination but, with appropriate apparatus and precise indications, and unsoiled blood, less than 24 hours old, autotransfusion is a good method which may provide a solution in certain emergencies.