Benign Hematology Conditions

Blood Disorder Surgical Concerns

Surgical procedures and dental extractions can pose a risk for patients with bleeding disorders (such as hemophilia) or clotting disorders. Patients should always make their surgeon or dentist aware of their condition so appropriate precautions can be taken. For individuals with significant bleeding or clotting problems, it is important to involve a hematologist in pre- and post-surgical care. Surgical care for patients with blood disorders can include:

Adjustment of surgery

Hematologists can work with surgeons to choose a procedure that poses minimal risk of bleeding or clotting.

Drug strategies

Certain drugs can be used to supplement the stability of blood vessels and control blood loss. Other drugs help lower the risk of blood clots.

Transfusion

Some patients will likely need a blood transfusion to replace lost blood or a transfusion of blood factors to facilitate clotting. Some blood products are rare, so it is important to make sure they are available ahead of time.

Clot filters

In some cases, an interventional radiologist can use minimally invasive techniques to place a filter within the inferior vena cava (IVC), a major blood vessel. An IVC filter can catch blood clots before they travel to the lungs.

Careful follow-up

Patients with bleeding or clotting disorders benefit from careful post-surgical management by a hematologist, including daily rounding during inpatient recovery.

Date: Sept. 28, 2012

Online Editor(s): Richard Petre