Postoperative complications after blood replacement with or without plasma. A trial in elective surgery

A prospective, controlled and randomized study of 275 patients undergoing major surgery was performed to investigate if postoperative complications were influenced by restrictive use of plasma to replace operative blood loss. All patients were given 6% dextran (Macrodex) for thromboprophylaxis and haemodilution. The "Dextran Group" received equal amounts of 6% dextran and electrolyte solution as substitution for plasma loss. The need for red-cell transfusion (60% suspension in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol storage medium) averaged 5.8 units in this group and 5.2 in the "Plasma Group". The respective mean totals of infused plasma and dextran were 400 ml and 1,383 ml in the Dextran Group, compared with 1,099 and 619 ml in the Plasma Group. The mean total electrolyte infusion in the first postoperative week was c. 7,500 ml in both groups. Serum albumin decreased considerably in both groups, but significantly more in the Dextran Group. The incidence and pattern of postoperative complications were similar in both groups. When blood loss is up to 50-60% of the total volume, Macrodex can be used in preference to plasma, unless administration of plasma protein is specifically indicated.