Cross-matched blood for major head and neck surgery: an analysis of requirements

We retrospectively analysed our blood ordering practice; the number of units of cross-matched blood requested was compared with the number transfused, in 70 patients undergoing a total of 82 ablative operations for malignant disease. Patients undergoing neck dissection alone, or excision of tumour with free revascularized flap reconstruction without neck dissection, are unlikely to require blood transfusion. Operations that include excision of tumour with primary closure and neck dissection, excision of tumour with pedicled flap reconstruction and excision of tumour with any form of flap reconstruction and neck dissection in continuity, will probably require transfusion. If atypical antibodies are present in the patient's serum on screening, cross-matched blood should always be available preoperatively. Provided that atypical antibodies are not present and that blood is available within 40 minutes from the blood bank, our results show that it is safe to adopt a policy of blood grouping and saving serum, for patients undergoing neck dissection alone, but cross-matching two or more units of blood for patients who are to have more extensive operations.

Perioperative haemotherapy: I. Indications for blood component transfusion

The practice of transfusion medicine has undergone substantial change over the last decade. Much of the impetus for the change has come from the isolation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the linkage of HIV transmission to blood transfusion. The purpose of this paper is to collate and review the literature relating to the indications for blood transfusion and provide recommendations for the appropriate utilization of blood products. Peer-reviewed and published studies and reviews relating to aspects of clinical blood transfusion were identified through computer searches and searching of the bibliographies of identified articles. Emphasis was placed on the literature published within the last decade and particularly in the years 1985-91. Material was chosen which was of proved clinical importance and in which findings were consistent among different investigators or different centres. Less emphasis was placed on material reporting new findings of uncertain clinical relevance or findings that were not consistent with majority reports. It is concluded that the only indication for red cell transfusion is to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and that an adjustment downwards in the haemoglobin concentration at which blood is transfused (transfusion trigger) from the traditional level of 100 g.L-1 is supported by the physiological and clinical data. Perioperative haemoglobin concentrations of 80 g.L-1 are acceptable in otherwise healthy young patients. The transfusion trigger should be adjusted upwards from this in medically compromised patients and in the elderly (greater than 60 yr). Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) is only indicated when there are documented deficiencies of coagulation factors. Platelet concentrates (PC) are indicated for the treatment of clinical coagulopathy resulting from thrombocytopaenia or platelet dysfunction. Routine or prophylactic administration of either FFP or PC after cardiopulmonary bypass or during resuscitation from haemorrhage is not indicated.

Reevaluation of current transfusion practices in patients in surgical intensive care units

Widespread interest in the complications associated with packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions has led to the scrutiny of traditional transfusion practices. Recently, attempts have been made to define more clearly the indications for PRBC transfusions in patients, particularly those who are critically ill. At present, however, transfusions continue to be ordered based on a hemoglobin level less than 10 g/dL. We report herein the impact on oxygen consumption of PRBC transfusions administered for a hemoglobin concentration less than 10 g/dL in 30 surgical intensive care unit patients who were euvolemic and hemodynamically stable. For the group as a whole, transfusion had a negligible effect on oxygen consumption. Fifty-eight percent of all such transfusions failed to change oxygen consumption by greater than 10% and could therefore be considered of questionable benefit.

Banked autologous blood for elective surgery

A pre-deposit autologous blood transfusion service for elective surgical patients is described and recommended.

Postoperative intravenous therapy

The physiology of the post-operative surgical patient is discussed. The reasons for the controversy between high and low volumes of fluid post-operatively are examined and a regime of relative fluid restriction is recommended. The requirements of the post-operative patient are discussed and a regime for post-operative therapy proposed.

Principles of pre-operative fluid therapy and resuscitation

The pre-operative preparation of a patient for elective surgery requires correction of all major electrolyte abnormalities, osmolality and body fluid compartment excesses of deficits. For the emergency surgical procedure however, only stability of the cardiovascular system is required before the induction of anaesthesia. To facilitate rapid correction of the abnormal haemodynamic state a set of physiological principles are described which aim to simplify therapy.