Ethical Considerations and Management of Patients Refusing Blood Products in Trauma

Authors

Mazen Zamzam, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
Natalie Finazzo, Corewell Health East Resident
Tristan Attisha, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student
Roy Soto, Corewell Health East

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-12-2025

Abstract

A 69-year-old male acutely presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting due to a small bowel obstruction which was urgently managed surgically. Postoperatively, patient hemoglobin dropped to 4.6. Due to concern of persistent bleeding the patient was returned to the operating room for control. Patient was a Jehovah's Witness and refused blood products therefore other measures to improve hemoglobin were utilized including Cell Saver and albumin. In this presentation we will discuss various anesthetic considerations and ethical management of patients who do not accept blood products in the setting of emergency surgery as well as postoperatively.

Comments

American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting, October 10-14, 2025, San Antonio, TX

Recommended Citation

Zamzam M, Finazzo N, Attisha T, Soto R. Ethical considerations and management of patients refusing blood products in trauma. Presented at: American Society of Anesthesiologists, The Anesthesiology Annual Meeting; 2025 Oct 12; San Antonio, TX. Available from:https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/21028/presentation/9239