Bloodless Medicine and Surgery
If your religious or personal beliefs prevent you from receiving blood through transfusion, you can still have the surgery or medical care you need at Temecula Valley Hospital.
Our bloodless medicine and surgery program is affiliated with a growing network of specially trained surgeons and medical professionals who respect the wishes of their patients.
"Bloodless” or ”transfusion-free“ means medical or surgical treatments are performed without the use of banked (stored), allogenic blood or blood products. Blood loss often occurs during surgery. Our bloodless program works to minimize blood loss by using special blood conservation methods.
By using bloodless techniques to perform many medical and surgical procedures, doctors at TVH can help you get the medical care you need without violating your beliefs. Among the specialties offered by the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program are:
- Family medicine
- Geriatrics
- Gastroenterology
- General surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Gynecology
If blood transfusion is a concern for you or your family, we encourage you to become acquainted with primary care physicians who are experienced in bloodless medicine. These physicians are committed to honoring patients’ wishes regarding blood issues, thereby helping to avoid problems in medical situations.
Surgery Without Blood Transfusions
During bloodless surgery, the surgical team uses specialized surgical equipment to help prevent or minimize blood loss. Depending on each patient’s needs, one or more of the following bloodless techniques and procedures may be used during surgery:
- Cauterizing surgical instruments, instead of traditional scalpels
- Medication that increases red blood cell production and encourages clotting
- Specialized devices that filter and return the patient’s blood in a continuous circuit
- Blood-dilution therapies
- Techniques to lower blood pressure and body temperature
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques
How Do I Choose Bloodless Medicine?
Be sure to let the hospital know of your preference when you register for a procedure at Temecula Valley Hospital. You’ll be asked to authorize your choice in writing, and will be identified as a “Transfusion-free Patient” throughout your hospital stay. Physicians, surgeons, nurses and others in the program are trained to respect the beliefs and preferences of patients and are committed to providing the medical care you need.
Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program
For additional information, please contact the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery program at 951-331-2269.