[Autologous retransfusion of washed erythrocytes in transurethral resection of prostatic adenomas. Preliminary report].

Red blood cells were concentrated from the irrigation fluid used during prostatic resection in 30 patients by means of a cell saver system. The resulting units of packed red cells were analysed for quality and possible contamination. Average blood loss during the procedure was 645 ml, and an average of 580 ml of packed red cells was harvested and retransfused in 25 patients. Retransfusion was well tolerated and no adverse reactions were seen. Our positive clinical experience with the method and the ease of application suggest that it can probably be recommended as a routine procedure during transurethral resection of the prostate.