[Use of blood and blood derivatives in surgical patients]

In view of the considerable therapeutic significance of blood transfusion in connection with major surgery and of the various problems involved, the author offers a discussion of the best ways to use whole blood and blood derivatives in the surgical patient. First he gives a synthetic outline of the pathophysiology of blood losses; then he sketches a set of guidelines to appropriate remedial treatment; and last, he discusses the risks and drawbacks associated with blood transfusion.