The importance of autologous blood transfusion in lung transplantation and cardiovascular surgeries

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of using autologous blood recovery systems on transfusion-related complications in patients undergoing lung transplantation and cardiovascular surgeries. Methods: Between May 2016 and May 2019, a total of 104 patients (90 males, 14 females; mean age: 59.3 +/- 16.4 years; range, 12 to 89 years) in whom cell-saver and autologous blood recovery systems were used during lung transplantation or cardiovascular surgeries were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups as Group 1 (n=61) consisting of patients who received autologous blood transfusion and as Group 2 (n=43) consisting of patients who did not. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, operation data, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The total amount of transfused blood/blood product was found to be significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.018). However, transfusion-related complications were found to be higher in Group 2 (p=0.0261). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the groups. Conclusion: Autologous blood transfusion may prevent the development of transfusion-related complications by reducing the amount of allogenic transfusion in major surgical procedures. In our study, the autologous blood transfusion was used in critical patients with major bleeding and, therefore, the total amount of transfused blood/blood product was higher in these patients. Nevertheless, lower complication rates in this patient group emphasize the importance of autologous blood transfusion.