Anemia is increasingly recognized as an interventional hematological target in patients before major surgery. Preoperative anemia increases the need for perioperative blood transfusion, and there is now a well-recognized association with increased patient complications, length of hospital stay, and worse outcomes. Patient Blood Management (PBM) is a World Health Organization endorsed, evidence-based management bundle of care in transfusion hemostasis that focuses on three main aspects: anemia management, prevention of blood loss, and appropriate transfusion practice. Implementation of PBM guidelines has been accompanied by reduced transfusion needs and improved patient outcomes. In a patient presenting with preoperative anemia or at risk of transfusion, this should initiate a program of PBM that manages the patient through the entire operative period. We review the current evidence on the three pillars of PBM and highlight those aspects with the strongest evidence in support of their impact.
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