Bloodless Surgery

AtlantiCare is one of about 50 U.S. hospitals that practices bloodless medicine and surgery as an alternative to transfusion.   

What is it?

• A form of medical care that reduces and often eliminates the need for a blood transfusion.
• An acceptable solution for patients whose religion forbids blood transfusions.

ADVANTAGES

• Since the blood being transfused is yours, you know its safe
• One visit to the hospital to donate your own blood is all it takes
• You decrease and often eliminate the need for a blood transfusion
• Your oxygen carrying capacity is increased by increasing your hemoglobin level and iron stores

Two medications are used in the bloodless medicine and surgery program:

• Venofer - an iron sucrose given by IV which bypasses the gut, avoiding diarrhea or constipation
• Epogen - a synthetic hormone similar to the hormone released by your kidneys; given by injection

WHY OPT FOR BLOODLESS SURGERY?

• The longer blood is stored, the less potent it is, so it’s benefit to you diminishes
• The significant decrease in the number of blood donors makes blood for transfusions less and less available, and more and more expensive
• Not only is the cost of blood transfusions high and climbing, but there are administrative add-on costs over and above the cost of blood
• You may refuse a blood transfusion for religious reasons
• You may suffer a negative reaction to a blood transfusio
• when someone else’s blood is used, there’s an increased risk of infection

Bloodless surgery helps with

• tissue repair
• new bone cell formation
• boosting your immune system

It’s used in both invasive and non-invasive medicine and surgery.