Preoperative autologous blood donation for oral and maxillofacial surgery: An analysis of 913 patients

Purpose: Autologous transfusions are frequently used with elective surgical procedures and are a mandated choice under California law. Because unused units cannot be transfused to other patients, it is important to assess utilization and minimize waste. Methods: The transfusion needs of 913 consecutive patients scheduled for major oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of California San Francisco were evaluated in 3 categories: oncologic and reconstructive surgery (563), orthognathic surgery (260), and temporomandibular joint surgery (90). Results: 24.9% of patients chose to undergo preoperative autologous blood donation. 24.2%, 20.6%, and 11.4% of oncologic and reconstructive surgery, orthognathic surgery, and temporomandibular joint surgery patients, respectively, who made an autologous donation preoperatively, subsequently received a transfusion postoperatively. Conclusion: Transfusion needs for most oral surgery procedures are clearly overestimated; the relatively low risk of blood loss associated with these procedures today should be taken into account when asking patients to participate in preoperative autologous blood donation. (C) 2005 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.