Intra-operative autotransfusion--a simple and cost effective method.

Recovery of intrathoracic and intraperitoneal blood and reinfusion by autotransfusion has been demonstrated to be safe and practical in selected cases. This study has basically aimed at using a very simple method for collection and reinfusion of blood in haemothorax and haemoperitoneum. Autotransfusion was done in 50 cases admitted in Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana who were diagnosed to have haemothorax or haemoperitoneum which fulfilled the set criteria. There were increased haemoglobin levels in 26 patients and a decreased haemoglobin in 24 patients. The coagulation profile was deranged in 7 patients pre-operatively while it was deranged in only 2 patients postoperatively. There was no significant change in renal function tests and liver function tests preoperatively and postoperatively. This study had shown that intra-operative autotransfusion with this very simple, affordable and easily available technique is feasible and practical and its use should be encouraged.