Data extraction
Each patient had their electronic patient records reviewed and the
following parameters analysed: Indication for RBC transfusion; number of
units transfused; type of operation (if performed) in preceding 30 days;
elective or emergency admission; haemoglobin (Hb) before transfusion. A
regression analysis was conducted for continuous variables between RBC
use in HNC surgery with reconstruction and RBC use in HNC surgery
without reconstruction. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25 software by SPSS
Inc. Furthermore, A cost-analysis of RBC units was performed for each
year based on the NICE costing statement.11