LAUSR

Blood transfusions have been shown to be associated with a significant increase of mortality and morbidity in a dose dependent relationship in all surgical specialties. Side effects such as increased infections rates, transfusion related acute lung injury and renal dysfunction lead to increased length of hospital stay and thereby increased costs. Because of the facts that blood transfusions have serious complications and are more costly than previously assumed, new approaches in the treatment of anemia and bleeding management are required. Patient Blood Management (PBM) allows for transfusion rates to be dramatically reduced by (1) correcting preoperative existing anemia by stimulating erythropoiesis up to 4 weeks before surgery, (2) minimization of perioperative blood loss by improved surgical techniques, and (3) optimizing the physiological tolerance of anemia.