Why is this procedure done?
Bloodless surgery helps to lessen the need for a blood transfusion. Bloodless surgery is especially important if: ‚
- You do not want to get donated blood because of the risk of problems or diseases like HIV
- You are not allowed to have blood transfusion due to religious beliefs
Talk to your doctor about lessening your need for having a blood transfusion. Based on your condition and type of surgery, your doctor may: ‚
- Have you build up your own blood. You may need to make changes to your diet or take drugs for a few weeks before your surgery.
- Have you donate your blood. It will be saved for your day of surgery.
- Collect your blood during surgery. The blood goes through a special process to save it. Then, if you need blood during or after surgery, this blood may be given to you.
What happens before the procedure?
To build up your blood count: ‚
- Eat foods high in iron. This will help your body make more red blood cells. Good foods to eat are liver; red meat; scallops; egg yolks; dark leafy greens like spinach, chard, or kale; dried beans; raisins; and prunes.
- Talk to your doctor about taking an iron supplement. Ask if other vitamins are needed to help the iron be absorbed into your body.
- Your doctor may give you special drugs before and after your surgery. These may help build up your red blood cells. One of these drugs is called Epogen or erythropoietin.
- Stop smoking.
Talk to your doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking, Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- The use of microsampling for lab tests. Only important tests will be done and staff will take less blood to do these tests. This will keep you from losing as much blood.
Donate your own blood: ‚
- By donating your own blood, it is set aside just for you. Then, if you need a blood transfusion, your doctor gives your own blood back to you.
- Talk to your doctor about where and when you should donate. Your body will need time to build your blood back up before you have surgery.
- If you dont use the blood you donated, it can be used for someone else.
What happens during the procedure?
To save your blood during surgery: ‚
- Your doctor may use a special machine called a cell saver to collect your blood during surgery.
- Your doctor places a suction tube attached to the machine into your surgery cut.
- The cell-saver machine suctions your blood through this tube. The machine filters the blood and your doctor gives it back to you through your I.V. line.
- Your doctor uses special methods to lessen bleeding during the surgery.
To help you instead of giving you blood: ‚
- The staff will watch you closely. Your doctor will give you fluids and drugs as needed to replace any blood loss.
- Your doctor may also give you extra oxygen. This will help keep up the levels of oxygen in your blood during surgery.
What happens after the procedure?
- If a blood transfusion is needed, your doctor may give you the blood that was collected before the surgery.
- Your stay in the hospital will depend on the type of surgery. You may go home after the surgery or you may need to stay in the hospital for days.
- Ask your doctor if you need to eat foods high in iron. Ask about taking extra iron.
- Your doctor may give you special drugs to build up your blood count.
Where can I learn more?
American Red Cross ‚
http://www.redcrossblood.org/donating-blood/types-donations#autologous ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚