Orthopedics Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthopedics, including details on chronic injuries, muscoskeletal disorders, surgery, reconstruction.

Preliminary reports of autologous blood transfusion in a plastic surgery unit.

Olaitan PB, Onah II, Ogbonnaya IS

Burns and Plastic Unit, Department of Surgery, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. emiolaitan@yahoo.com

We commenced autologous blood transfusion at the plastic surgery unit of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria in January 2001. Forty-three patients who have so far had autologous blood transfusion up to June 2004 are reviewed. Autologous blood was found to be cheaper than homologous blood with no untoward reactions. We conclude that autologous blood is safe, cheap and should be considered in elective surgical cases.

Published 17 February 2006 in Trop Doct, 36(1): 20-1.
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