Le Fort I maxillary osteotomy in a Jehovah’s Witness patient: strategies for minimizing blood loss and maximizing safety

Abstract

Background

The Watch Tower Society, the main governing organization of the Jehovah’s Witness (JW) faith, introduced the doctrine to refuse blood in 1945 and has been enforcing it since 1961. A member can be expelled for accepting prohibited blood components. Many reconstructive surgeries place patients at an increased risk for blood loss. There have been attempts at reducing the rate of transfusions in craniofacial surgery, even in patients not opposed to it.

Presentation

A 15-year-old female patient, who refused blood transfusion due to her faith, presented with a class III malocclusion, transverse maxillary constriction, and a lateral open bite. Surgery was deferred until the patient reached 18 years of age and had undergone preoperative orthodontics. A two-piece Le Fort I osteotomy was performed. Erythropoietin, oral iron, and tranexamic acid were used to minimize intraoperative blood loss.

Conclusion

Here we discuss preoperative and intraoperative management strategies to ensure a transfusion-free environment for patients with religious objections to blood transfusions undergoing operations with increased bleeding risk.