Blood transfusion in gastric cancer surgery: Necessary support or risk
WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY, cilt.18, sa.9, 2026 (SCI-Expanded)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Editöre Mektup
- Cilt numarası: 18 Sayı: 9
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.4240/wjgs.117829
- Dergi Adı: WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
- Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
We discuss the study by Chen et al published in World Journal of Gastroenterology that examined the relationship between perioperative blood transfusion and outcomes after radical gastrectomy. Transfusion is often unavoidable in gastric cancer (GC) surgery due to preoperative anemia and substantial blood loss during the procedure. However, its role may extend beyond merely restoring hemoglobin levels and stabilizing the patient. Allogeneic blood transfusion influences immune and inflammatory responses, affecting postoperative recovery and long-term oncologic outcomes. Although perioperative blood transfusion has been associated with higher complication rates and worse overall and disease-free survival, it remains uncertain whether this reflects a direct causal effect. These considerations highlight the importance of balanced transfusion practices and the implementation of patient blood management strategies to optimize short-term safety and long-term prognosis in GC surgery.