Cell Salvage (Intraoperative Blood Recovery)

Cell salvage, also called intraoperative blood recovery, is a technique that collects the blood you lose during an operation, cleans it, and gives it straight back to you. Instead of that blood being discarded, a machine washes and concentrates the red cells so they can be returned into your own circulation. It is used in operations where more significant blood loss is expected — such as larger fusions, deformity correction and revision surgery — to reduce or avoid the need for a transfusion of donor blood.

• People having surgery where moderate to large blood loss is anticipated, such as multi-level fusions, deformity or revision surgery
• People who wish to avoid donor blood where possible, including for personal or medical reasons
• Its use is planned by the surgical and anaesthetic team based on the expected blood loss

• During surgery, blood in the operative field is gently suctioned into a special collection system rather than being thrown away. The machine mixes it with anticoagulant to stop it clotting, then spins and washes it to separate and clean the red blood cells, removing debris, fluid and other unwanted material. The concentrated, washed red cells are then available to be returned to you through a drip during or after the operation. Because it is your own blood, it is perfectly matched to you.

• Reduces or can avoid the need for a donor (allogeneic) blood transfusion
• Returns your own perfectly matched blood, avoiding transfusion-reaction and mismatch risks
• Helps conserve donor blood supplies
• Can be especially valuable in larger or revision operations

• Salvaged blood is processed to remove contaminants, but it is not suitable in every situation — for example where infection or certain other materials are present in the surgical field
• It replaces red cells but not clotting factors or platelets, so a donor transfusion may still occasionally be needed
• The technique is safe and well established, and is coordinated by the anaesthetic team

• Donor (allogeneic) blood transfusion when needed
• Measures to reduce blood loss during surgery, including minimally invasive techniques and medicines
• Optimising blood count (for example treating anaemia) before surgery

Cell salvage does not affect your recovery from the operation directly; its role is to keep you safer by maintaining your blood volume with your own blood and reducing the need for donor transfusion. Your anaesthetist will explain whether it is planned for your surgery.

• —British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS)
• —Royal College of Anaesthetists — Guidelines and Standards
• —NICE — Blood Transfusion (NG24)

This information is for general patient education and is not a substitute for an individual consultation. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified spinal specialist.