Perioperative transfusion needs

This chapter discusses the preoperative evaluation of potential transfusion needs, indications for and goals and risks of perioperative blood product transfusion, interpretation of coagulation tests, and special perioperative transfusion situations. Perioperative anemia imparts significant added risk for surgical patients. To address the problems associated with anemia, RBC transfusions are frequently administered perioperatively. RBC transfusions are widely utilized in the perioperative setting. The primary goals of perioperative blood product transfusion are to maintain tissue oxygenation and ensure hemostasis. Although improved oxygen carrying capacity is certainly achieved with RBC transfusion, the association between RBC transfusion and improved tissue oxygenation remains much more controversial. Serious complications of central venous catheter (CVC) placement are rare and include pneumothorax, air embolus, and hemothorax. The increasing use of interventional radiology and cardiology has created a new cohort of patients at risk for arterial bleeding following angiography.