Perioperative Jehovah's Witnesses: a review

Abstract

There are many patient groups who may refuse blood products; the most well known amongst them is the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Treatment of anaemia and bleeding in such patients presents a challenge to medical, anaesthetic, and surgical teams. This review examines the perioperative issues and management of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The history and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses are outlined together with their impact on ethics and the law, and different management options throughout the perioperative period are discussed.