As a surgeon he is trained to do ‘everything’ he can to save a patient’s life. But this cardio vascular and thoracic surgeon had to sign a declaration that he will not give his anaemic patient a blood transfusion during surgery, even in case of mortal danger.

Dr Vivek Jawali, Director of Wockhardt Hospitals and Chief Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon had to respect his patient’s religious beliefs when she asked for a bloodless surgery and insisted at no point blood transfusion take place as it is against the Commandment in the scriptures.

Racheal  (name changed), a sixty year old Jehovah’s Witness (JW) was diagnosed with severe Calcific Aortic Stenosis-- obstruction of the aortic valve which restricts the flow of blood and had coronary artery blockages. 

She was in need of a valve replacement and a bypass surgery which was performed three weeks ago.

As blood transfusions are prohibited by the religion, members of the Hospital Liaison Committee of JW had met with the doctors to specify what alternative medical  procedures are permissible during the surgery. Despite 80 percent of the surgeries he performs being bloodless surgeries, Dr Jawali had a challenge on his hands as even autotransfusion (using the patient’s own blood), blood products and use of cell savers are against the faith. 

“Racheal’s surgery was successful as it was a meticulous surgery where only 200 cc of blood in all was lost”, he explained.

A G Ryan,  a JW minister,  explained “ The scriptures say ‘Abstain from blood’ and those who violate this commandment will not inherit the kingdom of God.  It is an informed decision amongst the Witnesses that they stay away from blood transfusion”

Bloodless surgery
Blood conservation is a global movement and there are many alternatives to avoid blood transfusion said Dr Jawali who has operated on six JWs so far.

Giving medicines which make the patients bleedless , using blood thinning medicines, hemostatic surgery or meticulous surgery, performing a beating heart bypass without a heart lung machine and keeping patient off pump or not cooling the patient which also helps in patient bleed less.