(0/2000)

Using a comprehensive blood management program, my transfusion rate for hip replacement and resurfacing is less than 0.1%. If you have bilateral surgery the same week the transfusion rate is still less than 1%. For purposes of comparison, the national transfusion rate for hip replacement is 20-30 %.

If a blood transfusion is required, there is a potential risk for a transfusion reaction or disease transmission (e.g. hepatitis, AIDS). The risk of contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion is now estimated at one in a million. The risk of contracting hepatitis is approximately one in two thousand.

If your hemoglobin is low prior to surgery, you should take iron supplements and possibly a series of erythropoietin injections (Procrit) to build up your hemoglobin level. Using autologous blood is costly, inconvenient, and of questionable value. With my track record, it is unnecessary, however it can be arranged if you desire.

Our blood management protocol is as follows:

• Measure preop Hg
• If Hg < 15, start prescription iron
• If Hg < 13, recheck Hg 1 month preop
• If Hg < 13 again, administer procrit
• Auquamantys tissue sealer used in surgery to limit bleeding
• Minimally invasive surgery; average blood loss is less than 150ml. (Compare this to the literature 500-1000ml)
• Platelet concentrate

Learn more about our Comprehensive Blood Management Program »