[Postoperative autologous transfusion from blood drainage after total hip joint arthroplasty--how much value is really there?].

AIM: Are autologous blood transfusions sufficient or do we need the transfusion of unwashed or washed wound drainage blood in total hip arthroplasty? METHOD: 253 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were retrospectively randomized to autologous blood transfusion or transfusion of unwashed wound drainage. We compared the haemoglobin and haematocrit levels as well as the rate of complications. RESULTS: Postoperative blood salvage and reinfusion after total hip joint arthroplasty didn't show any advantages. In 10 % we saw complications after transfusion of unwashed wound drainage. CONCLUSION: We do not recommend the transfusion of wound drainage.