Shed blood re-transfusion provides no benefit in computer-assisted primary total knee arthroplasty

Purpose: This matched case-cohort retrospective study examined the effectiveness of shed blood re-transfusion in reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in computer-assisted primary cemented total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: The shed blood re-transfusion system used was the cell saver system. Data from 146 cases were analyzed (73 patients with cell saver, 73 patients without cell saver). Results: The ABT rate was similar in each group. The mean allogenic blood transfusion volume was similar for each group (CS = 214 ± 453 ml, non-CS = 288 ± 447 ml). The only factors correlated with allogenic blood transfusion use were low preoperative hemoglobin and low body mass index. Two patients in cell saver group experienced shivering after re-transfusion. Conclusion: Shed blood re-transfusion provided no blood management benefits in computer-assisted primary TKA and is therefore recommended only for selected patients with low hemoglobin levels and low body mass index.