The third step of total autologous blood transfusion in scoliosis surgery. Harvesting blood from the postoperative wound.

In a prospective study in scoliosis and kyphosis surgery patients, red blood cells were harvested from the drainage of the postoperative closed wound and returned to the patient. Approximately 1 unit of blood per patient was saved compared with a historically similarly matched group who had no postoperative blood salvage. The authors conclude that the addition of postoperative autologous blood salvage can considerably reduce predeposit autologous blood requirements of patients undergoing Cotrel-Dubousset instrumentation and posterior spine fusion for spinal deformity.