Utilization of a massive transfusion protocol during liver lobe resection: a case report

The literature shows substantial data that acute coagulopathy and hemorrhage without rigorous resuscitative efforts has a high morbidity and mortality. The utilization of protocols for a massive transfusion and resuscitation can lead to improved outcomes in morbidity and mortality. Protocols for massive transfusion allow for improved access to blood components and delivery systems, improved timing of administration, and a transfusion ratio of red blood cells to fresh frozen plasma and to platelets that has been shown to decrease the overall transfusion requirements. Research and evidence from the armed services has shown remarkable improvements in morbidity and mortality when a massive transfusion protocol is implemented in the care of traumatically injured soldiers. The use and continued review of these military data appear to have a substantial impact on how the civilian healthcare system addresses massive transfusion and resuscitation in the critically injured and hemorrhagic patient.