[An analysis of transfusion in adult surgery]

To analyze the transfusion rate of adult transfused patients undergoing standard curative surgery made in operating room (not ambulatory).

Data from discharge reports of patients having surgery during 1996, codified according to the International Diseases Classification (ICE-9-MC). Age, sex, diagnosis, procedures (including transfusions), were analysed along with the surgical procedures and if the patient was subsequently admitted.

11,673 adult patients had surgery, of whom 890 underwent transfusion (7.6%). The transfusion rate was greater in males, in patients over 60 years old, in patients with several surgical procedures simultaneously, in patients who were subsequently admitted, and in patients with surgery procedures of pancreas, spleen, dorsolumbar column, liver, pharynx, hip and stomach.

Given the variability in the blood transfusion practices among the hospitals, to know the transfusion rates of each clinic and surgical situation would permit a better planning of: the surgical blood transfusions, the autologous blood transfusion program, the criteria on crossmatching tests, as well as to increase the information to the patient in the surgical Informed Consent.