[Bleeding during operations].

Unnecessary use of blood products should be avoided, but excessive caution may on the other hand lead to complications and increase mortality. Attempts to more closely define the indications for use of blood products and reduce perioperative bleeding have over the past five years resulted in an approximately 20% decrease in the consumption of red blood cells. A generally applicable hemoglobin limit for red blood cell transfusions cannot be defined. The guideline often cited in recommendations (80 g/l) is subject to justifiable criticism, whereby a more liberal threshold for transfusion can be favored. Sparing fluid therapy of a surgical patient has been shown to promote recovery and reduce complications.