egenblödning

Egenblödning is a German term that translates to "self-bleeding" or "autotransfusion" in English. It refers to a medical practice where a patient's own blood is collected and then reinfused back into the same patient. This procedure is primarily employed in surgical settings to manage blood loss.

There are several methods of egenblödning. Intraoperative autotransfusion involves collecting blood lost during surgery, filtering it to remove clots and debris, and then reinfusing it. This is common in procedures where significant blood loss is anticipated, such as orthopedic or cardiac surgeries. Preoperative autotransfusion, also known as autologous blood donation, involves the patient donating their own blood a few weeks before a scheduled surgery. This donated blood is then stored and available for transfusion if needed during the operation.

The primary advantage of egenblödning is the elimination of the risks associated with allogeneic blood transfusions, such as transfusion reactions, transmission of infectious diseases, and alloimmunization. It can also be a valuable option for patients who have religious objections to receiving blood from donors or for those with rare blood types that are difficult to match.

However, egenblödning is not without its limitations. It is not suitable for all patients or all types of surgeries. The collection and processing of blood require specialized equipment and trained personnel. There are also specific contraindications, such as active infection or certain types of cancer where shedding of malignant cells into the blood is a concern. Careful patient selection and evaluation are crucial for the safe and effective use of egenblödning.