Table.

Clinical outcomes of randomised trials of autologous versus allogeneic blood transfusions

					% of cases developing complications after transfusion		P value for reduction in postoperative complications
Study	No of patients	Type of surgery	Intervention	Type of complication	Autologous	Allogeneic
Busch et al, 19939	423	Colorectal	Predeposit autologous donation	Infection	27	25	NS
				Recurrence	37	34	NS
Heiss et al, 1993 and 199410, 14	120	Colorectal	Predeposit autologous donation	Infection	12	27	<0.05
				Recurrence	17	29	0.11
Newman et al, 199711	70	Knee replacement	Postoperative autologous salvage	Infection	6	34	<0.05
Farrer et al, 199712	50	Vascular	Intraoperative autologous salvage	Infection	13	44	0.029
Thomas et al, 200113	231	Knee replacement	Postoperative autologous salvage	Infection	NA	NA	0.036
				Readmission	NA	NA	0.008

NS=not significant. 

NA=not available (ie not reported).