Becoming bloodless

Our guest columnist is Juliann Gaus-Graeser, coordinator for Baptist Health’s Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program.

It’s both common and normal for people to feel nervous when they need surgery. One of the big concerns we often hear from patients is that they’re worried about losing a lot of blood.

Blood loss is something every surgical team prepares for, and Baptist Health hospitals, including Wolfson Children’s Hospital, are equipped with supplies of donated blood to use when needed. Additionally, we offer options for patients looking for alternatives to blood transfusions.

What is bloodless medicine?

The term “bloodless medicine” refers to medical and surgical care without the use of a blood transfusion. This is achieved through advanced techniques to help the body stay strong without donated blood. These methods include:

• Reducing blood loss during surgery.
• Boosting the patient’s own blood production.
• Improving oxygen delivery so the body can heal.
• Using special tools and careful planning to protect every drop of blood.

Research shows these methods are safe and effective.

What are the benefits of bloodless medicine?

Though the practice began many years ago to support those with religious objections to receiving blood, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s now chosen by patients for other reasons, including:

• Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay.
• Lower rates of post-operative complications, like heart attack, stroke or infection.
• Decreased risk of immunological complications or allergic reactions.

Bloodless Medicine isn’t just about avoiding transfusions; it’s about respecting patient choices, using modern medical science and helping people heal in the safest way possible.

If you don’t want a blood transfusion and you’re interested in bloodless medicine for an upcoming procedure, talk to your doctor before scheduling the surgery.

Regional leader in special kind of care

Baptist Health’s Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, now offering this option for the following procedures:

• Heart surgery
• Cancer surgery
• Obstetrics and gynecological procedures
• Orthopedic surgery
• Gall bladder surgery
• Traumatic injury repair
• Urological surgery

Baptist Health typically treats around 5,000 patients with bloodless medicine each year. Anecdotally, the number of patients we’ve seen in the program has doubled since I began my position two years ago. This is a testament to the individualized care our teams provide, and the ability for patients to advocate for their own decision!

To celebrate the Bloodless Medicine and Surgery Program’s milestone anniversary, Baptist Health and Wolfson Children’s Hospital are hosting a public event on Friday, February 27, 2026, featuring Aryeh Shander, MD, a world-renowned expert and pioneer in the field. Click here to learn more or register.

For more information about Baptist Health’s Bloodless Medicine Program, click here or call 904.202.3460.