Perioperative blood management practices in elective orthopaedic surgery

Concern about the cost and safety of allogenic blood transfusion, including the risk of viral infection and immunosuppression, has led to refinements in and new approaches to blood conservation, including the development of transfusion practice standards and improvements in surgical practice. Preoperative autologous blood collection, the use of hemostatic agents, perioperative blood salvage, and the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) to stimulate erythropoiesis have contributed to decreased use of allogenic blood services. Development of appropriate blood management strategies to help reduce or eliminate exposure to allogenic blood requires a preoperative assessment of the likelihood of transfusion and of the risks as well as costs associated with conservation and replacement options. The informed selection of alternatives based on preoperative assessment of hematologic status, estimated blood loss, and sources for blood replacement may enhance blood management practices in major elective orthopaedic surgery.