Patient Blood Management and Gynecologic Oncology

An Interview with Dr. Joseph L. Kelley, MD

Dr. Joseph Kelley is the Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, UPMC Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. Dr. Kelly is a practicing gynecologic oncologist at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC for almost 20 years.

What conditions do you treat?

Conditions treated include breast and gynecologic malignancies, as well as treating individuals who may require complex gynecologic surgery.

Disease categories include:

  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Cervical and vaginal cancer
  • Trophoblastic disease

How do you feel about treatment patients that refuse transfusions such as Jehovah’s Witnesses?

I have treated patients who are not able to receive blood transfusions.  I feel it is important to treat the whole person, respecting their beliefs, cultures, and religions. 

I find it important to have my patients who refuse transfusions talk with our staff at the Center for Bloodless Medicine and Surgery so that I may have a clear picture of their wishes. From this I develop a treatment plan and respect the patient’s wishes and beliefs.

We often look to avoid blood transfusions, but when it is required, we will seek alternatives whenever possible. Techniques used to avoid blood transfusions include preoperative hemodilution and minimally invasive surgery.

When needed, we use erythropoietin to improve blood counts prior to surgery. Also, during the surgery, if agreeable to the patient, we use cell salvage. Much of what we have learned from patients who refuse transfusions is now being translated to other patients at UPMC.

How can a patient have her case evaluated?

All members of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology wish to respect patient’s wishes and beliefs with regard to blood transfusions.

For patients with either breast or gynecologic malignancies or complex gynecologic surgery requiring an oncologic surgeon, please call our office at 412-641-5411 to schedule an appointment.

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com