[Organization and practical aspects of autologous blood replacement in a community hospital surgery department].

Replacement of autologous blood by consistent recycling of red blood cells saved perioperatively and autologous FFP collected by plasmapheresis preoperatively is a practicable method with poor risk in order to reduce the use of homologous blood in a community hospital. The reducing effect concerning the use of homologous blood correlates to the extent of the blood loss. Preoperative plasmapheresis and replacement of the autologous plasma has proven to be effective by stabilizing hemostasis as an additional blood-saving effect. The main blood-saving effect was due to the acceptance of lower hemoglobin values in case of autotransfusion maintaining isovolemia by careful control of all parameters of blood circulation and peripheral O2 saturation.