Less invasive techniques and blood conservation protocols have reduced the blood loss associated with these types of surgeries.
In the past, patients scheduled to undergo total joint surgery were asked to donate their own blood beforehand for use post-operatively. This can sometimes deplete the patient’s stores of oxygen rich blood, and it takes time for patients to build their stores back up before surgery. Women, in particular, may experience anemia (low blood counts) due to a blood donation prior to surgery. For these reasons, our doctors have adopted a “no blood donation” policy.
There may be a few patients who will still require transfusion after surgery. Our current data shows that only 1% of our patients will require a transfusion post-operatively and only if absolutely necessary based on blood count levels and symptoms. Remember that donated blood from the blood bank is very safe due to thorough screening tests.
Now there is one less step for you and your family to prepare for total joint replacement surgery. We are continually working to make the preparations for, and recovery from, total joint replacement surgery more convenient for patients.
In the past, patients scheduled to undergo total joint surgery were asked to donate their own blood beforehand for use post-operatively. This can sometimes deplete the patient’s stores of oxygen rich blood, and it takes time for patients to build their stores back up before surgery. Women, in particular, may experience anemia (low blood counts) due to a blood donation prior to surgery. For these reasons, our doctors have adopted a “no blood donation” policy.
There may be a few patients who will still require transfusion after surgery. Our current data shows that only 1% of our patients will require a transfusion post-operatively and only if absolutely necessary based on blood count levels and symptoms. Remember that donated blood from the blood bank is very safe due to thorough screening tests.
Now there is one less step for you and your family to prepare for total joint replacement surgery. We are continually working to make the preparations for, and recovery from, total joint replacement surgery more convenient for patients.
