Intra-operative cell salvage in urological surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate systematically the safety and efficacy of intra-operative cell salvage (ICS) in urology. Methods: A search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library to August 2017 was performed using methods pre-published on PROSPERO. Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines. Eligible titles were comparative studies published in English that used ICS in urology. Primary outcomes were allogeneic transfusion rates (ATRs) and tumour recurrence. Secondary outcomes were complications and cost. Results: Fourteen observational studies were identified, with a total of 4 536 patients. ICS was compared with no the blood conservation techn..