Resultados de un programa de ahorro de sangre en prótesis de rodilla unilateral

Total knee replacement is a procedure that frequently need postoperative blood transfusion. Instead of allogeneic blood, predeposit autologous transfusion has been proposed as a safe and efficient choice; nevertheless, this procedure is not free of debate due to the anaemia caused to the patients and the high number of no-used, and lost, units. We report the results of a no restrictive program of blood autologous transfusion in patients having a knee replace- ment, in the period between 2001 to 2003. The numbers show a slight decrease in the rate of allogeneic blood transfusion; nonetheless, with a short efectivenuess. We analyse other alternatives for blood transfusion and in what patients this procedure should be done.