A bone marrow transplant replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow, the spongy substance in your bones that is stored by your body with red blood cells, with healthy tissue
Your red blood cells start out as very small cells, called hematopoietic stem cells. As they grow, they pass from your bones into your bloodstream. A bone marrow transplant is also known as a stem cell transplant.
Damaged bone marrow produces very few red blood cells, not enough for your immune system. Transplants can cure certain diseases or cancers. It means a longer recovery time and a lower risk of serious side effects. Your doctor can discuss all the pros and cons of implants with you.
The information below shows you the basic steps of AUTO and ALLO implants. Typically, each procedure includes a stem cell transplant, the patient’s treatment to prepare their body for the transplant, the actual transplant date, and then a recovery period.
A small tube is usually placed in the patient’s chest that is left through the transplant procedure. called a catheter. Your healthcare team may offer chemotherapy, other medications, and catheterized blood transfusions. The catheter significantly reduces the number of percutaneous needles because patients will need regular blood tests and other treatments during administration
Please note that transplants are complex medical procedures and sometimes certain steps may occure in a different order or on a different timeline, ask your health care provider to explain the specifics, including whether if you will need to stay in the hospital at different times, and if so, how long. Always talk to your healthcare team about what to expect before, during and after your transplant.
