Avoiding Blood Transfusion - The Blood Conservation Program
All patients who have joint replacement surgery can expect to have some blood loss. While the vast majority of patients will not need a blood transfusion, blood is available from the blood bank for those that do. In general, it is best to avoid a transfusion whenever possible. One of the most effective ways of avoiding a transfusion is to make sure patients have a high enough “blood count,” also known as red blood cell count, hemoglobin, or hematocrit, before surgery.
If a patient's blood count is low and could use a boost prior to surgery then Dr. Jana will make a referral to the Methodist Hospital Blood Conservation Program. Patients then receive a call from the Methodist Infusion Center to make an appointment.
At the Infusion Center, patients may be given an injection of a medication that stimulates their body to make more red blood cells (Procrit®). Patients may also receive an intravenous infusion of iron (Venofer®). It usually takes about 1 1/2 hours to receive an iron infusion. Oral Vitamin B-12 and folate may also be started. Together these treatments are generally very effective in raising a patient's blood count prior to surgery.
During the surgery, Dr. Jana uses various techniques to decrease blood loss and minimize the chance of needing a transfusion including: intra-operative blood salvage (cell saver), re-infusion drains, hypotensive anesthesia and medications that improve blood clotting.
Dr. Jana feels strongly about the benefits of the Blood Conservation Program and he encourages all of his patients participate when indicated.
If a patient's blood count is low and could use a boost prior to surgery then Dr. Jana will make a referral to the Methodist Hospital Blood Conservation Program. Patients then receive a call from the Methodist Infusion Center to make an appointment.
At the Infusion Center, patients may be given an injection of a medication that stimulates their body to make more red blood cells (Procrit®). Patients may also receive an intravenous infusion of iron (Venofer®). It usually takes about 1 1/2 hours to receive an iron infusion. Oral Vitamin B-12 and folate may also be started. Together these treatments are generally very effective in raising a patient's blood count prior to surgery.
During the surgery, Dr. Jana uses various techniques to decrease blood loss and minimize the chance of needing a transfusion including: intra-operative blood salvage (cell saver), re-infusion drains, hypotensive anesthesia and medications that improve blood clotting.
Dr. Jana feels strongly about the benefits of the Blood Conservation Program and he encourages all of his patients participate when indicated.
