[Intraoperative blood autotransfusion in general surgery].

The use of intraoperative autotransfusion is progressively increasing both in emergency and in elective surgery. Intraoperative autotransfusion reduces the risk of infection and alloimmunization and allows a considerable saving of homologous blood. The authors describe their experience in the field of intraoperative autotransfusion by means of Dideco Autotrans BT 597. This equipment was employed in 172 patients submitted to general and vascular surgery. It is stressed the safety of this device particularly in trauma and vascular surgery where the quick availability of blood is essential.