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Autologous blood transfusion can be achieved through different techniques, including by the patient donating blood before surgery (pre-deposit), collecting blood from the patient immediately before the operation and replacing the volume with colloids or plasma expanders (acute normovolemic hemodilution) or through the salvage of lost blood, during or immediately after surgery, and its retransfusion after washing (intraoperative or postoperative recovery). We will focus on the two methods used intraoperatively that are of fundamental importance in the management and conservation of the patient's own blood., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest No conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Hemostasis plays a critical role in surgical procedures and is essential for a successful outcome. Advances in hemostatic agents offer new approaches to controlling bleeding thereby making surgeries safer. The appropriate choice of these agents is crucial. Volume replacement, another integral part of Patient Blood Management (PBM), maintains adequate tissue perfusion, preventing cellular damage. Individualization in fluid administration is vital with the choice between crystalloids and colloids depending on each case. Colloids, unlike crystalloids, increase oncotic pressure, contributing to fluid retention in the intravascular space. Understanding these aspects is essential to ensure safe and effective surgery, minimizing complications related to blood loss and maintaining the patient's hemodynamic status., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

The management of major bleeding is a critical aspect of modern healthcare and it is imperative to emphasize the importance of applying Patient Blood Management (PBM) principles. Although transfusion support remains a vital component of bleeding control, treating severe bleeding goes beyond simply replacing lost blood. A more comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach is essential to optimize patient outcomes and minimize the risks associated with excessive transfusions., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest None., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

The use of strategies to reduce blood loss and transfusions is essential in the treatment of surgical patients, including in complex cardiac surgeries and those that use cardiopulmonary bypass. Antifibrinolytics, such as epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TXA), are widely used in these procedures, as well as in other types of surgeries. These medicines are included in the World Health Organization (WHO) list of 'essential medicines'. Scientific evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of EACA in reducing bleeding and the need for transfusions in heart surgery. EACA is highly recommended for use in heart surgery by the American Society of Anesthesiology Task Force on Perioperative Blood Management. Regarding the safety of EACA, there is no robust evidence of any significant thrombotic potential. TXA has also been shown to be effective in reducing the use of blood transfusions in cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries and is considered safer than other antifibrinolytic agents. There is no evidence of any increased risk of thromboembolic events with TXA, but doses greater than 2 g per day have been associated with an increased risk of seizures. It is also important to adjust the dose in patients with renal impairment. In conclusion, antifibrinolytics, such as EACA and TXA, are effective in reducing blood loss and transfusion use in cardiac and non-cardiac surgeries, without causing serious adverse effects., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The author declares no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Hemostasis plays a critical role in surgical procedures and is essential for a successful outcome. Advances in hemostatic agents offer new approaches to controlling bleeding thereby making surgeries safer. The appropriate choice of these agents is crucial. Volume replacement, another integral part of Patient Blood Management (PBM), maintains adequate tissue perfusion, preventing cellular damage. Individualization in fluid administration is vital with the choice between crystalloids and colloids depending on each case. Colloids, unlike crystalloids, increase oncotic pressure, contributing to fluid retention in the intravascular space. Understanding these aspects is essential to ensure safe and effective surgery, minimizing complications related to blood loss and maintaining the patient's hemodynamic status., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)