VENESECTION

WHAT IS VENESECTION?

Venesection (sometimes referred to as phlebotomy) is the removal of approximately 500ml of blood - just like donating blood.

WHY HAVE A VENESECTION?

Venesection is used to treat haemochromatosis.  Haemochromatosis is a genetic disease in which there is an overload of iron absorbed into the body through the intestines from food.  Our body needs some iron and store small amounts for use, but with haemachromatosis, the body continues to store excess iron causing damage to the  liver, heart and pancreas.  This can lead to diseases such as cirrhosis, diabetes, arthropathy and cardiac failure and premature death if treatment is not provided.

Venesection is suggested as treatment for haemochromatosis at any stage when iron levels are above normal as this is when damage can start to occur.

HOW OFTEN IS VENESECTION DONE?

Venesection is performed at regular intervals until iron levels in the blood return to within normal levels - this can mean weekly, up to 18 months or less frequently  depending on the original state  of the patients iron levels.  Once iron levels are stabilized at normal levels, venesection is done less frequently, only when required, to maintain normal iron levels throughout the lifetime of the patient.

HOW IS IT DONE?

The patient must attend St. John of God Berwick or the Valley Hospital (Mulgrave) for the vensection to be performed.  No fasting is required and the patient may drive themselves home when they feel able.  This procedure is similar to donating blood and can take from 15 minutes up to an hour depending on how long it takes for the 500mls bag to fill with blood.  An IV cannula is inserted into the arm for the duration of the procedure and then removed at the end. The patients vital signs (blood pressure, pulse and respirations) are monitored throughout the procedure.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

There are no actual side effects to having venesection done.  Once the procedure has been performed, approximately 500mls of blood will have been removed from your body (just like donating blood) so you may feel a little light headed or dizzy. Ensure that you feel normal, have something to eat and drink and you are able to drive yourself home if all of your medical observations are stable.