ABSTRACT
Introduction This chapter covers the pathophysiology and management of patients who have a reduced haemoglobin (Hb) load (anaemia), or who sustain a sudden reduction in the circulatory blood volume (hypovolaemia) or who accumulate abnormal amounts of fluid in the interstitial space or serous cavities (oedema). Transfusion of blood and blood products is also covered in this chapter. The spectrum of disorders covered is wide and of variable surgical urgency, from the patient with iron-deficiency anaemia requiring elective surgery for a right-sided colon cancer to the emergency management of a patient with profound hypotension from major ongoing blood loss, and patients with generalized oedema due to cardiac, hepatic or renal disease.
