[Autologous blood replacement in urology].

In a total number of 67 urological operations (24 transurethral resections of the prostate, 30 transvesical resections of the prostate, 13 radical prostatectomies) intraoperative blood loss was saved, cleaned, and reinfused to the patients as washed, packed red blood cells with a "Cell Saver" (Haemonetics). Patients with preoperative urinary tract infection were excluded from reinfusion in transurethral resections of the prostate. Although radical prostatectomy is oncologic surgery we consider it an ideal possibility for intraoperative autotransfusion. Based on our experience, autotransfusion seems to be warranted also in urological surgery.