Some people elect not to receive blood transfusions or blood products during surgery. This approach is known as "bloodless medicine," and there are a number of medical and ethical reasons why a patient might make this decision.

Bloodless medicine is an exciting field made possible by a growing number of cutting-edge techniques. Many of these techniques are only available in select medical centers that have the right equipment and clinical staff trained in bloodless methods. If you want to know more, this guide explains how surgeries can be safely performed without blood transfusions or major blood products.

Answers from an Expert
I. Is Bloodless Medicine For Me?
Step 1: Introduction to the bloodless approach
Step 2: The components of blood
Step 3: Why people choose bloodless medicine
Step 4: Benefits and risks
II. Undergoing Bloodless Surgery
Step 5: Surgeries that can use bloodless methods
Step 6: Preparing for bloodless surgery
Step 7: Strategies and techniques during surgery
Step 8: Post-surgery

Learn More

Blood products - overview

Cardiovascular system

Embolotherapy

Glossary

Jehovah's Witnesses - position overview


Main MenuNext Page

Review Date: 6/28/2011
Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Palm Beach Cancer Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
© 1997- adam.comAll rights reserved.