[Frequency of transfusion in lung resections (author's transl)]

Blood-transfusions are affected with considerable risks and undesirable reactions, for that reason the application of whole blood is indicated strictly. The comparison of transfusions in patients having undergone a lung resection showed a decrease in transfusions about 50 per cent in a period of 10 years. The reduction of transfusions is the result of an increased use of blood substitutes. Advantages and possibilities of hemodilution are discussed. The application of whole blood depends on preoperative hematocrit and calculated blood volume.