Hematologic Problems in the Surgical Patient: Bleeding and Thrombosis

The management of hematological issues in surgical patients is challenging. The role of the hematologist is to aid patients with a history of bleeding or thrombosis. This chapter reviews: (1) the preoperative evaluation of bleeding risk; (2) strategies to aid intraoperative hemostasis; (3) the management of patients with hemostatic abnormalities or those taking anticoagulants or long-acting antiplatelet drugs; and (4) guidance on perioperative prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE).