Perioperative Management of the Patient with Hematologic Disorders

Bleeding at the time of surgery has the potential to become a serious complication. Careful patient assessment and review of history are of the utmost importance if this situation is to be avoided on the operating table. Unfortunately, many patients, particularly younger individuals with little to no previous exposure to surgery, are unaware of underlying bleeding disorders that they may have. Understanding the basic pathophysiology and management of these conditions becomes critical for the treating surgeon. For patients who have known conditions, close interconsultation with the treating hematologists and careful observation of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative established protocols reduces the risk of complications for patients and makes the possibility of success a reality for these individuals.