The impact of pre-donated autologous blood and intra-operative isovolaemic haemodilution on the outcome of transfusion in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of pre-donated autologous blood and intra-operative isovolaemic haemodilution on the outcome of transfusions in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts and transfusion records of 192 consecutive patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of 192 patients, 14% required homologous transfusions, the rate of which varied significantly depending upon blood availability (autologous, haemodilution or homologous) (P < 0.001): 66% of patients with only autologous blood available were transfused a mean of 1.96 units (range 1-6) of blood, of which 87% received autologous alone. 12% both autologous and homologous and 1% homologous blood only. Of the pre-donated autologous units, 44% were wasted.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the pre-donation of autologous blood and intra-operative isovolaemic haemodilution lower the risk of homologous blood transfusion. It is recommended that patients pre-donate 2 units of autologous blood and undergo intra-operative isovolaemic haemodilution before radical prostatectomy.