Will I need blood?
Will I need blood?
Most patients require a blood transfusion of between one and two units (pints) after surgery. Physicians generally encourage patients to donate their own blood (called an autologous blood donation) in advance. If a patient is unable to give blood, a family member or friend with the same blood type may donate some instead (called a directed donation). These types of blood donations ensure that right blood type is available. There are also new medications that can boost blood cell count, eliminating the need to donate blood.