Abstract
In orthopedics, particularly in osteotomy, the total amount of bleeding is largely due to hemorrhaging from the bone with difficulties in hemostasis, and blood transfusions are required in many of surgeries for the large joints. We surveyed the status of blood transfusions in 236 cases of rotational acetabular osteotomy (hereafter called RAO) to statistically investigate the actual conditions of autotransfusion as well as factors involving allogeneic transfusion. Results showed that the factors involving allogeneic transfusion include the amount of autologous blood conservation, the amount of bleeding, and the duration of surgery. Furthermore, the blood transfusion requirements are reduced with the change of anesthetic regimens or management of infusion, or improvement of surgical procedures. Awareness of blood transfusions is also altered because of autotransfusion, and the risk of allogeneic transfusions may be decreased. However, allogeneic transfusions may be avoided excessive so that postoperative hypohemoglobinemia may occur. Therefore, clear criteria and skilled knowledge regarding transfusions and blood conservation are required.
