EXPERIENCE WITH ISOVOLEMIC HEMODILUTION IN EXTENSIVE HEAD AND NECK-SURGERY

Isovolemic hemodilution was performed on 30 American Society of Anesth esiologists (ASA) class I patients during extensive surgical procedure s in the head and neck region using 3.5% polygeline (Haemaccel, Hoechs t) as hemodiluent. The mean total surgical blood loss was 831.66 +/- 2 91.04 ml, and mean total blood drained was 1021.66 +/- 187.38 ml. The heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and central Venous pressure showed insignificant variation. Fall in packed cell volume and hemoglobin wa s highly significant with hemodilution and with retransfusion. The val ues increased and were comparable to prehemorrhage values on the day o f discharge. No significant change was found in arteriovenous oxygen s aturation difference and arteriovenous oxygen content difference. The need for homologous blood transfusion was avoided in all patients. The re was no significant complication in terms of wound healing or flap n ecrosis. The technique was found to be safe, and therefore, we recomme nd this in all extensive surgical procedures in the head and neck regi on in patients deemed to be fit for the procedure.