AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

In which surgical procedures would cell-saver transfusion be contraindicated?

1. Cancer procedures

2. Trauma surgeries

3. Orthopedic surgeries

4. Cardiac surgeries

The correct answer is: Cancer procedures

Cell-saver transfusion is a technique in which a patient's blood is collected, processed, and reinfused during surgery, promoting autologous blood donation and minimizing the need for donor blood. However, it is contraindicated in certain procedures, especially those involving cancer. In cancer procedures, the use of a cell-saver can potentially reinfuse cancer cells back into the patient, which poses a significant risk of metastasis or worsening the cancer condition. The objective during these surgeries is often to remove all tumor cells to prevent recurrence, so using a cell-saver could inadvertently counteract that aim by circulating potentially viable cancer cells. The other surgical contexts—trauma, orthopedic, and cardiac surgeries—generally allow for cell-saver use. In trauma surgeries, for instance, it can help manage significant blood loss effectively. In orthopedic surgeries, it can aid in minimizing transfusions during procedures that might involve large areas and significant blood loss, and likewise for cardiac surgeries, where blood loss can be considerable, and autologous transfusion can be beneficial. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the specific risks associated with cancer-related procedures.