Blood transfusions in head and neck surgery

Recurrence of late-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck after surgical treatment is a significant problem. Between 60% to 80% of patients with stage III and IV squamous cell carcinoma will have a recurrence after undergoing combined treatment. Studies from the past 7 years have identified a possible new complicating factor in cancer recurrence, namely, the association between allogenic transfusions and early recurrence and curtailed survival. In addition to suppressing the immune system, allogenic transfusions are associated with HIV, hepatitis, and transfusion reactions. In an effort to decrease transfusion-related infection and immunosuppression, autologous transfusions are receiving new interest from head and neck surgeons. The preoperative assessment of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck now mandates proper identification of potential transfusion recipients and more effective use of autologous blood transfusions.