The Safety and Short-Term Outcomes of Leukocyte Depleted Autologous Transfusions during Radical Cystectomy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nTo examine long and short term outcomes using cell salvage with a commercially available leukocyte depletion filter following radical cystectomy in an oncologic population.\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\n157 patients, 87 of whom received a cell salvage transfusion, were retrospectively identified from chart review. 90-day outcomes as well as long-term mortality and cancer recurrence data were collected. Chi-square, Student s T, or Mann-Whitney U tests were used as appropriate. Multivariable regressions of survival were performed with a Cox proportional-hazards model.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThose who received a cell salvage transfusion did not show any differences in rate of cancer recurrence (23%) versus those who did not receive a cell salvage transfusion (24%; p=0.85). There were also no differences noted in mortality rates between the two populations (12% vs 17%; p=0.36). Furthermore, no differences were noted in post-operative complication rates, length of hospital stay, 90-day culture positive infections or readmissions (p>0.05).\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThere are no significant differences in short-term or long-term patient outcomes between those who did and did not receive an intraoperative cell salvage transfusion. Cell salvage transfusions with a leukocyte depletion filter are safe and effective methods to reduce the need for allogeneic blood transfusions while controlling for the theoretical risk of metastatic spread.