BLOOD TRANSFUSION RATES AFTER PRIMARY UNILATERAL TOTAL HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT (2004–2007)

Orthopaedic surgery accounts for about 10% of red cell transfusions used in hospital. In view of the recognized risks and decreasing availability of donor blood, every effort should be made to minimize inappropriate transfusions. Methods: Data was collected on the number of patients prescribed blood transfusion after primary total hip and knee replacement at the North Devon District Hospital. It involved 211 patients in 2004, 599 patients in 2005 and 812 patients in ‘06/’07. The effect of withdrawing the use of drains and instigating local infiltration of the wound with diluted adrenaline on transfusion rates was monitored and the results compared against the national average. Results: The transfusion rates for hip arthroplasty came down from 15.2% in 2004 to 8.8% in 2007 and for knee arthroplasty from 12.2% in 1004 to 5.3% in 2007. Conclusion: Our current transfusion rates are well below the national average, without the use of cell savers. We wish to discuss the factors which might affect transfusion rates and share our experience after introducing a simple, inexpensive, safe and effective post-operative blood transfusion policy. The respective contributions of drains and infiltration will be emphasized.