Emergency autologous blood transfusion in the management of ruptured ectopic pregnancy

Summary Thirty-three cases of ruptured ectopic pregnancies treated by emergency autologous blood transfusion were compared with 85 cases treated by homologous blood. The postoperative outcome was satisfactory and the duration of hospital stay was similar in both groups. However, the quantity of blood transfused in those who received autologous blood was significantly higher than in those transfused with homologous blood (P 0.02). Because of this experience we advocate greater use of intra-operative blood salvage and autotransfusion, even when banked homologous blood is available, in the management of ruptured ectopic pregnancy.