Invited Commentary

Transfusion of allogenic red blood cells is associated with adverse effects including transfusion reaction, transmission of disease, lung injury, volume overload, and immunosuppression. In the operative patient, allogenic red blood cell transfusion is associated with an increased risk of postoperative wound infection and poorer outcomes.1 Retrospective studies have suggested a link with poorer disease-free and overall survival in patients who receive allogenic blood transfusion and have resection of colorectal cancer2 as well as in patients having resection of colorectal liver metastases.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: New England surgical society article Source Type: research