Calculation methods for intraoperative blood loss: a literature review

Intraoperative bleeding is a common issue in various surgical procedures, and the extent of bleeding significantly impacts the safety, efficacy, and prognosis of surgery. Therefore, accurate assessment of intraoperative blood loss and timely intervention are essential for the smooth progression of surgery and favorable clinical outcomes. Currently, clinical methods for estimating blood loss are generally classified into two main categories: visual and calculation methods. Calculation methods are further delineated into weighing techniques and concentration-based approaches. Although the visual method is criticized for its subjectivity and inaccuracy, it remains the most widely used approach in clinical practice for assessing intraoperative blood loss. This article reviews different methods for assessing blood loss during surgery and compares their respective advantages and disadvantages, aiming to provide surgeons with a more reliable foundation for intraoperative blood loss evaluation.