Key result
Preoperative clinical estimates accurately predict measured intraoperative blood loss in ~89% of operations.
Why the study?
Preoperative estimation of intra-operative blood loss by surgeons and anaesthetists is required by the WHO surgical safety checklist, but the accuracy of these predictions is unclear.
How accurate are surgeons and anaesthetists at predicting intra-operative blood loss in patients undergoing intermediate and major surgery?
Comparison
Preoperative predicted blood loss by surgeons and anaesthetists vs measured intra-operative blood loss
Design
6-week prospective observational study
Follow-up
24 hours post-surgery
Authors
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Surgeon and anaesthetist blood loss estimates may lack accuracy; leaves open whether checklist thresholds or prediction tools require revision.
Observational (n=168)
No
How accurate are surgeons and anaesthetists at predicting intra-operative blood loss in patients undergoing intermediate and major surgery?
While blood loss prediction is generally accurate within 500 mL, significant underestimation occurs in nearly a third of patients who ultimately require blood transfusion, highlighting the need for robust blood management policies.
Solon et al. (2011) conducted an observational in Intermediate and major operations (n=168). Preoperative prediction of intra-operative blood loss was evaluated on Prediction of blood loss to within 500 mL of measured blood loss. Preoperative prediction of intra-operative blood loss by surgeons and anaesthetists was within 500 mL of measured blood loss in 89% of operations.
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