Anaesthesiology

Although blood transfusions can be life-saving, they come with potential risks and should be used purposefully and with caution. This is where patient blood management – a central treatment approach in our Anaesthesiology department – comes into play.

Patient blood management (PBM) aims to preserve patients’ own blood volume and avoid unnecessary transfusions, thus reducing complications after surgery. Numerous studies show that both pre-operative anaemia and transfusion of allogeneic blood are associated with an increased risk of complications, prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality. At the same time, PBM programmes have been demonstrated to significantly reduce the use of blood products.   

Systematic implementation at Schulthess Klinik

PBM has been an integral part of surgery preparation at Schulthess Klinik since 2018, and has been continuously refined and integrated into our systems. The approach is based on three key pillars:

• Early detection of anaemia: if we detect anaemia, we treat it promptly before surgery, for example with iron therapies or special drugs that stimulate red blood cell production.
• Avoidance of unnecessary blood loss during surgery: this is where haemostatic medications, a stable body temperature and fluid balance, targeted blood pressure management and, where appropriate, autologous blood recovery can help.

• Blood transfusions only if medically necessary: clear thresholds and clinical criteria guide these decisions, ensuring safe and careful use.

For patients, this approach means greater safety, fewer complications and better post-operative recovery.

The gradual introduction of PBM at Schulthess Klinik has led to a significant reduction in the use of blood products. This development is especially noteworthy in the context of a continuing high number of complex orthopaedic and spinal procedures. The reduction in transfusion rate is therefore directly attributable to the systematic implementation of the PBM approach.

Continuous development and research 

Schulthess Klinik continuously analyses the impact of PBM as part of a comprehensive outcome research programme. The aim is to better identify risk factors, further personalise treatments and sustainably improve the quality of care before, during and after surgery. This systematic data collection and analysis enables the integration of evidence-based improvements directly into clinical practice and continuous enhancement of patient benefits.