Does intraoperative cell salvage system effectively decrease the need for allogeneic transfusions in scoliotic patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion? A prospective randomized study

110 patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion due to scoliosis were randomized to undergo surgery with or without the use of a cell salvage system. This was done to determine whether intraoperative cell salvage systems are safe and efficacious in decreasing blood loss, as well as decrease the need for allogeneic blood transfusions. Estimated blood loss, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, and allogeneic transfusion rate were among the outcomes assessed. Results indicated that significantly more patients who had not used the cell salvage system required allogeneic blood transfusions, as well as a higher mean number of red blood cell units intraoperatively.