Cell salvage at caesarean section: the need for an evidence-based approach.

Abstract

Haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, is frequently associated with caesarean section. Allogeneic blood is an increasingly rare and scare resource. Intraoperative Cell Salvage (IOCS) offers the possibility of improving outcome and reducing allogeneic blood transfusion in cases of haemorrhage at caesarean section. The available literature on the use of IOCS in obstetrics demonstrates that there is limited evidence to support or refute the use of IOCS at caesarean section. However, this procedure has been introduced into obstetric practice. Before opinions about its use become solidified, there is a window of opportunity to launch a large multicentre randomised controlled trial to address the current equipoise.