Synchronous abdominoperineal resection without transfusion

Blood loss and hypovolaemic shock affect the immune system significantly, and perioperative blood transfusion has been shown to be associated with a higher rate of tumour recurrence in patients with cancer and increased susceptibility to infectious complications. Data obtained from patients undergoing synchronous abdominoperineal excision of the rectum were analysed to assess whether such surgery is feasible without transfusion. Twenty-two consecutive unselected patients were studied. There were 16 men and six women of median age 66 (range 48-80) years. The tumour stage was Dukes' B in 11 patients and Dukes' C in 11. Six patients were severely obese according to body mass index. Four patients required blood transfusion (1, 1, 2 and 2 units). There was no hospital mortality and all perineal wounds healed primarily with no wound infection. Fifteen patients received radiation therapy 6 weeks after surgery. Abdominoperineal resection with minimal blood transfusion is feasible in unselected patients.