BLOOD LOSS IN SURGICAL OPERATIONS

Abstract

The amount of blood lost during surgical operations of various types has been measured and reported by a number of observers. The facts disclosed by these observations have not been generally recognized, nor has their practical importance been sufficiently emphasized. In order to bring attention to this technical problem, the literature on it has been reviewed and further studies have been made as are here reported. Shock appearing during and after operation is still the apprehension of the surgeon and a menace to the patient. During the past three years an enormous amount of investigation on the subject of shock has added materially to our knowledge of it. One fact, however, remains clear: There is no single reliable test or clinical sign of impending shock, especially in anesthetic and postanesthetic states. By the time shock is recognized as such it is well established. Our ability to treat shock has improved,