Is it safer to have surgery with or without a blood transfussion??

1. 59

   javier427posted 14 years ago

   Is it safer to have surgery with or without a blood transfussion??
   
   I want to know people's opinions before I write about this.

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2. 60

   Gillsieposted 14 years ago

   Most surgeries do not require a blood transfusion. In fact most surgeries do not require the use of additional blood of any kind unless there is unexpected severe blood loss or the patient is being treated for a blood related ailment. If a patient is in need of blood, I feel it is safer to have a transfusion then it is to put added stress on a patient who has insufficient blood flow. Surgery alone is very stressful to the body and especially the heart. A surgery could become extremely dangerous if the patient has lost too much blood. Blood supplies in the United States are very "safe", despite the horror stories that sometimes surface. I personally would risk a blood transfusion over a potential heart attack or stroke.

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3. 83

   TahoeDocposted 14 years ago

   That would depend on whether or not you need a blood transfusion. If you are 'bleeding out' during surgery and are about to die, then it's probably better/safer to have the transfusion than to die, even if there is some risk of a transfusion reaction or infectious disease. Most people would choose that over death.
   
   If you don't need a blood transfusion, as with a great majority of surgeries, then there would be no need and you would be risking side effects and complications for no reason, no benefit.
   
   Is there more to the question? I'm not sure a good answer could be written that covers all surgeries and all situations?? I guess I'm a little confused.

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4. 82

   Nadeeshan301posted 13 years ago

   It depends on the surgery you are undergoing and the patients condition like hemoglobin level. If you are undergoing a major surgery with lot of blood bleeding its safer to have a blood transfusion otherwise your important organs will get compromised blood supply. Similarly if the patient is very ill weak parson with very low hemoglobin levels blood transfusion to elevate the hemoglobin levels is safe when undergoing surgery.
   Usually blood transfusions are not needed for healthy individuals for most surgeries.

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5. 59

   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 13 years ago

   It's not a matter of which is safer; it's a matter of weighing the options in each individual situation. Generally, blood transfusion is indicated when the hemoglobin level drops below a certain point. It is always prudent to have a type and cross match for blood prior to surgery in case there is a blood loss sufficient to warrant transfusion.

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