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The author discusses studies focusing on the use of perioperative blood transfusions. Topics explored include the morbidity and mortality rates associated with liberal and restrictive blood transfusion strategies, the adverse outcomes linked to blood transfusions such as myocardial infarction, and the medical complications of blood transfusions according to National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.

The article discusses research which examined the association between perioperative fluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch or albumin and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing elective joint arthroplasty procedures. Topics covered include the link between the fluid resuscitation and an increased risk for acute renal failure, the use of standardized billing items in determining the perioperative use of hydroxyethyl starch or albumin and the decline in the use of hydroxyethyl starch.