Bloodless Surgery: What to Expect

• Boost your red blood cell count – stopping medications and herbs affecting blood clotting or red blood cell count
• Ensure proper blood clotting
• Increase iron supply and absorption
• Improve red blood cell production and blood volume
• Address nutritional need

During Surgery

Strategies and surgical equipment used to minimize bleeding and conserve blood include: 

• Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgeries
• Electrocautery and other surgical devices – “seal” blood vessels to stop bleeding
• Autotransfusion machines – collect, clean and return lost blood
• Special adhesives – tightly close the skin or tissue
• Acute normovolemic hemodilution – diverting blood prior to incision and return those units after surgery
• Anesthesia techniques – affecting blood pressure and body temperature to reduce bleeding
  
  

• Limited blood draws
• Medications and supplements, as well as dietary changes, to boost blood cell counts and iron stores, help blood clotting and prevent rebleeding
• Hormones to stimulate bone marrow, producing more red blood cells