Efficacy of autotransfusion in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
J. Fujimoto, E. Okamoto, N. Yamanaka, T. Oriyama, K. Furukawa, E. Kawamura, T. Tanaka and F. Tomoda
First Department of Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.
PURPOSE: Although autotransfusion is used in a wide variety of surgical
procedures, it is largely unexplored for use in oncologic operations. This
study evaluates the impact of autotransfusion in hepatectomy for
hepatocellular carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with
hepatocellular carcinoma underwent hepatectomy by receiving autologous
blood transfusion (group 1). Fifty patients receiving homologous blood
without any autologous blood were matched for comparison (group 2).
RESULTS: No statistical differences were found between group 1 and group 2
patients in cumulative recurrence rates (62.8% vs 67.3%, respectively) or
cumulative survival rates (61.9% vs 52.8%). Autologous transfusion reduced
the mean volume of homologous blood used (814 mL vs 3466 mL). The mean
postoperative hemoglobin level, platelet count, prothrombin time, and
partial thromboplastin time were comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS:
Autotransfusion is a safe and effective procedure in patients with
hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing hepatectomy.
