Open radical cystectomy is associated with a substantial rate of perioperative blood transfusion. Early detection of potentially modifiable perioperative factors could reduce the need for perioperative blood transfusion and thus positively impact the outcome. We conducted an observational, single-center cohort study of 1168 patients undergoing cystectomy. Perioperative blood transfusion was defined as the need for packed red blood cells and/or fresh frozen plasma units within the first 24 h after the initiation of surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to model the association between risk factors and blood transfusion, and a nomogram was developed. Blood transfusion occurred in 370/1168 patients (31.7%). Significant predictors were age (OR: 1.678, (95% CI: 1.379-2.042); p < 0.001), blood loss ratio (6.572, (4.878-8.853); p < 0.001), preoperative hemoglobin (0.316, (0.255-0.391); p < 0.001), tumor stage (2.067, (1.317-3.244); p = 0.002), use of oral anticoagulants (2.70, (1.163-6.270), p = 0.021), and interaction between female sex and blood loss ratio (1.344, (1.011-1.787); p = 0.042). Of the major predictors found to affect perioperative blood transfusion, two can be influenced: blood loss ratio by meticulous surgery and hemoglobin by preoperative optimization. Others such as age or advanced disease are not modifiable. This emphasizes the importance of optimal management of patients prior to surgery.
Keywords: blood transfusion; cystectomy; predictors.