Blood transfusions are not an option for many pediatric patients who must undergo surgery, whether it be for religious reasons or safety concerns. Bloodless surgery is an alternative to blood transfusion that eliminates the potential for allergic reactions or contaminated blood.
A growing number of studies have shown that young surgery patients who are able to forgo the use of donated blood products do better on several fronts. Benefits of bloodless surgery can include:
- Fewer or no postoperative infections.
- Less likely to experience adverse immune responses.
- A faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay.
- Minimized blood loss during surgery.
The Bloodless Surgery Program at Sutter Children’s Center in Sacramento is perfecting technologies and techniques that can help young heart surgery patients thrive. When we can help patients avoid the unnecessary use of blood products, it’s better for their health, better for the emergency blood reserve and better for controlling healthcare costs.
Doctors and other care team members who participate this program are dedicated to maintaining current knowledge about the latest advances, developments and use of non-blood therapies. For more information, talk to your child’s cardiologist or surgeon to determine whether bloodless surgery is the right option for your family.
