[Fluid therapy changes in surgical treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm]

The use of blood components and blood substitutes was studied in 25 patients undergoing surgical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm in 1983, and was compared with the use of such components in 44 patients operated in 1988. The use of blood components had decreased by 49% from 1983 to 1988. In 1988, erythrocytes were administered only when the hemoglobin concentration fell under 9 g/100 ml. The use of plasma postoperatively was reduced to a minimum. Normovolemia was maintained with polygeline, dextran, electrolytes and autotransfusion. The change in transfusion praxis did not lead to any reduction in postoperative hemoglobin values. The stay in hospital and the number of hours spent in a respirator were both reduced, and there was a general improvement in results.