Retrospective study on red cell usage in primary total knee replacement surgery

Background and Objectives: There is wide variation in the use of red cell t ransfusions for the same clinical indication, The purpose of the study was to comment on preoperative and discharge haemoglobin (Hb) levels and periop erative blood loss, and to project the Hb level if transfusions were not ad ministered. Materials and Methods: The case notes of 187 patients who under went primary total knee replacement were reviewed retrospectively. Results: More than 90% of the transfusions were given in the immediate postoperativ e period as a matter of routine and a significant number of transfusions ap peared to be unnecessary. Conclusion: For surgical procedures involving mod erate blood loss, transfusions should not be given as a routine and the dec ision to transfuse should take into consideration the clinical state of the patient, blood loss and pre- and postoperative Hb levels. Copyright (C) 20 00 S. Karger AG, Basel.