[Blood management in surgery--an analysis]

The surgeon has a tremendous influence on the usage of blood and blood products. He determines the indication and operative strategy. So the co-operation of anesthetist, intensivist, transfusion specialist, and surgeon is essential to achieve improvement in blood saving. Guidelines of blood saving methods can support the aim of an effective blood management. We analyzed the today's situation of blood saving in surgery and discuss the matter by a questionnaire sent to all surgical institutions of Nordrhein-Westfalen. The data observed cover the results of the Sanguis study from 1994 and the resume that the indication of blood transfusion mostly is not driven by clinical and scientific facts alone. Till today no evidence based data exist on indications for transfusion of blood and blood products. This is required for the next years in order to create changes in the current system of blood saving. The key points to stay within the low range of the number of transfusions are to develop a specific peri-, intra-, and postoperative strategy according to patient, disease, and expected procedure. The surgical aspects are discussed.