Reduction of allogeneic RBC transfusions in patients undergoing elective

Reduction of Allogeneic RBC Transfusions in Patients Undergoing Elective Orthopaedic Surgery

Allogeneic red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are often necessary for patients undergoing elective orthopaedic procedures. However, transfusions are associated with potential risks, including complications such as anemia, infection, transfusion-related lung injury, and postoperative transfusion reactions. Therefore, reducing the number of allogeneic transfusions is beneficial for both patients’ safety and cost-effectiveness.

Recent studies have found that certain strategies can help reduce the number of allogeneic RBCs transfusions in patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery, including:

Reducing preoperative blood loss through preoperative management.
Maximizing the use of autologous (patient's own) blood through preoperative donation.
Individualizing the high-quality hemoglobin transfusion threshold.
Strictly adhering to a "nil by mouth" protocol before surgery.
Performing advanced management strategies including cell salvage and the use of blood substitutes.

Although allogeneic transfusions still remain unavoidable in many complex and emergent cases, the potential risks associated with transfusions can be reduced through proper optimization and a strict adherence to evidence-based protocols. The strategies mentioned above can be used to decrease the number of allogeneic transfusions in elective orthopaedic surgery, giving patients a greater chance of a safe and successful surgery.