Blood loss and blood transfusion

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Surgical Hemostasis

Background:

• Homologous blood transfusions face chronic shortages.
• Significant risks include transfusion-transmitted infections (e.g., hepatitis, AIDS), reactions, and alloimmunization.
• Reducing dependence on banked blood offers clear patient benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review techniques for utilizing a patient's own blood during surgery.
• To highlight methods for reducing complications associated with homologous blood transfusions.
• To discuss future strategies for minimizing the need for banked blood in surgical settings.

Main Methods:

• Predeposit autologous blood donation prior to surgery.
• Intraoperative blood salvage and reinfusion (whole blood or washed packed cells).
• Surgical techniques aimed at minimizing blood loss.

Main Results:

• Autologous transfusion methods effectively reduce the need for homologous blood.
• Intraoperative salvage and reinfusion provide a source of patient's own blood during or after surgery.
• Combined use of autologous techniques and blood loss reduction strategies lowers transfusion-related complications.

Conclusions:

• Expanding the use of autologous transfusion techniques is crucial for surgical patients.
• Minimizing blood loss during surgery further enhances the safety and efficacy of blood management.
• Future innovations, such as synthetic blood substitutes, hold promise for further reducing reliance on banked blood.