Transfusion of blood and blood products.

The indications for transfusion in surgical practice are as follows. 1) Following traumatic incidents where there has been severe blood loss, or haemorrhage from pathological lesions, for example from the gastrointestinal tract. 2) During major operative procedures for example abdominoperineal or cardiovascular surgery. 3) Following severe burns where, there may be associated haemolysis. 4) Postoperatively in a patient who has become severely anaemic. 5) Preoperatively, usually in the form of packed cells given slowly in cases of chronic anaemia where surgery is indicated urgently, i.e. where there is inadequate time for effective iron or other replacement therapy, or where the anaemia is unresponsive to therapy, for example aplastic anaemia. 6) To arrest haemorrhage or as a prophylactic measure prior to surgery, in a patient with a haemorrhagic state such as thrombocytopenia, haemophilia or liver disease