Autotransfusion in elective plastic surgical operations.

One-hundred and eight patients undergoing elective major plastic surgical procedures, primarily reduction mammaplasties, have been autotransfused. Units of blood were harvested 1 and/or 2 weeks before the operation. At the time of the surgery, the patient's hematocrit and hemoglobin had almost returned to predonation level and active reticulocytosis was occurring. No patients in this group had any problems from phlebotomy or autotransfusion. These autotransfused patients felt better, were less anxious about acquiring a transmitted disease, and returned to work or school activities earlier than those in the control groups. Autotransfusions are safe and effective and this pilot study indicates that they should be considered for patients undergoing major elective procedures.