Blood Transfusion in Surgery in Africa

Many changes have occurred in transfusion practices in Africa and in Western countries since this topic was first reviewed in 2005. Blood transfusion remains a key component in the resuscitation of surgical patients suffering, whether from operative losses, trauma, GI bleeding, or obstetrics. Nothing has replaced the lifesaving potential of appropriate transfusion. Increased clinical evidence surrounding appropriateness of transfusion, increased understanding of the risks of transfusion, and better ways of managing these risks have been active topics of discussion in the literature since 2005 and will be addressed in this review.