[Isovolemic hemodilution for avoiding homologous blood transfusions: effectiveness in large gynecologic interventions].

Objective: The practicability and efficiency of a standardized, preoperative isovolemic hemodilution was investigated during major gynecological operations (Wertheim's operation, etc.).

Design: Prospective clinical trial with a historical control group.

Setting: Operating room of a gynecological university hospital.

Patients and interventions: Under general anesthesia hemodilution to a hemoglobin concentration of 9 g/dl was performed in 48 patients (mean age: 53 years). Shed blood volume amounted to 900 +/- 210 ml. Transfusion of autologous or homologous blood was provided when Hb concentration decreased beyond 7 g/dl intraoperatively.

Results: Compared to a control group of 57 patients without hemodilution the total number of PRBC units transfused was significantly reduced. Moreover, in 65% of all patients the transfusion of homologous blood could completely be avoided perioperatively (control group: 21% of patients). Adverse effects did not occur.

Conclusions: The data reflect that acute isovolemic hemodilution before major gynecological operations represents a safe, easy to handle and effective procedure to avoid transfusion of homologous blood up to a total blood loss of 1,300-1,400 ml.