Benefits of the use of blood conservation in scoliosis surgery

Aim: To investigate whether autologous blood transfusion (ABT) drains and intra-operative cell salvage reduced donor blood transfusion requirements during scoliosis surgery.

Methods: Retrospective data collection on transfusion requirements of patients undergoing scoliosis surgery is between January 2006 and March 2010. There were three distinct phases of transfusion practice over this time: Group A received "traditional treatment" with allogeneic red cell transfusion (ARCT) in response to an intra- or post-operative anaemia (Hb < 8 g/dL or a symptomatic anaemia); Group B received intra-operative cell salvage in addition to "traditional treatment". In group C, ABT wound drains were used together with both intra-operative cell salvage and "traditional treatment".

Results: Data from 97 procedures on 77 patients, there was no difference in mean preoperative haemoglobin levels between the groups (A: 13.1 g/dL; B: 13.49 g/dL; C: 13.66 g/dL). Allogeneic red cell transfusion was required for 22 of the 37 procedures (59%) in group A, 17 of 30 (57%) in group B and 16 of 30 (53%) in group C. There was an overall 6% reduction in the proportion of patients requiring an ARCT between groups A and C but this was not statistically significant (χ² = 0.398). Patients in group C received fewer units (mean 2.19) than group B (mean 2.94) (P = 0.984) and significantly fewer than those in group A (mean 3.82) (P = 0.0322). Mean length of inpatient stay was lower in group C (8.65 d) than in groups B (12.83) or A (12.62).

Conclusion: When used alongside measures to minimise blood loss during surgery, ABT drains and intra-operative cell salvage leads to a reduced need for donor blood transfusion in patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.