Effect of recombinant human erythropoietin on anaemia after gastrectomy: a pilot study.

Abstract

Erythropoietin prevented postoperative anaemia after gastrectomy as judged by packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and red cell count. Erythropoietin given before and after operation therefore has the potential to reduce the need for homologous blood transfusion during and after major operations.