Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
Modified Laparoscopic Anatomic Hepatectomy: Two-Surgeon Technique Combined with the Simple Extracorporeal Pringle Maneuver
Published on: June 16, 2023
Perioperative blood conservation strategies for pediatric scoliosis surgery
Mark J McVey1,2,3, W Lau4, N Naraine4
1Departments of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. mark.mcvey@sickkids.ca.
Insights
Pediatric scoliosis surgery patients often have anemia and may need transfusions. Implementing comprehensive blood conservation programs can reduce the need for allogeneic blood products in these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Anesthesiology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Severe scoliosis in pediatric patients frequently presents with baseline anemia.
- Pediatric scoliosis fusion surgery is linked to significant perioperative blood loss and transfusion requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review perioperative blood conservation strategies for pediatric scoliosis surgery.
- To highlight the potential of these strategies in minimizing allogeneic blood product exposure.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of blood conservation strategies was conducted.
- The review encompassed pre-, intra-, and postoperative care phases.
- Involved a multidisciplinary team including nurses, physicians, anesthesiologists, surgeons, dietitians, perfusionists, and neurophysiologists.
Main Results:
- Perioperative blood conservation strategies can minimize the need for exogenous blood products.
- A case example of a Jehovah's Witness patient undergoing staged scoliosis repair illustrates successful blood conservation.
- Identified areas for future clinical studies on blood conservation interventions and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Interdisciplinary communication and meticulous blood conservation are key to reducing or eliminating allogeneic blood product use in pediatric scoliosis surgery.
- These strategies are vital for the surgical correction of pediatric scoliosis.
Purpose:
Many pediatric patients with severe scoliosis requiring surgery have baseline anemia. Pediatric scoliosis fusion surgery is associated with perioperative blood loss requiring transfusion. As such, many patients in this surgical population could benefit from a perioperative blood conservation program.
Methods:
Here we present a narrative review of perioperative blood conservation strategies for pediatric scoliosis surgery involving nurses, transfusion medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, surgeons, dieticians, perfusionists and neurophysiologists spanning the pre-, intra- and postoperative phases of care.
Results:
The review highlights how perioperative blood conservation strategies, have the potential to minimize exposures to exogenous blood products. Further, we describe a relevant example of blood conservation related to the care of a Jehovah's Witness patient undergoing staged scoliosis repair. Lastly, we outline areas which would benefit from clinical studies to further elucidate perioperative blood conservation interventions and their outcomes relevant to pediatric scoliosis surgery patients.
Conclusion:
Interdisciplinary communication and meticulous blood conservation strategies are proving to be a means of reducing if not eliminating the need for allogeneic blood products for surgical correction of pediatric scoliosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...