Surgery in patients with von Willebrand's disease

The risk of bleeding complications in the surgical treatment of patients with von Willebrand's disease has been evaluated. Sixty-four major surgical procedures were performed in 51 patients with various forms of von Willebrand's disease. In 18 cases, the bleeding disorder was unknown at the time of surgery, resulting in bleeding complications in 12 cases (67 per cent). Forty-five operations were carried out in patients in whom the diagnosis of von Willebrand's disease was known at the time of surgery. In these patients, the following haemostatic preparations were given: factor concentrate, fresh plasma, tranexamic acid and desmopressin. Haemostatic complications occurred in three of these operations (6.7 per cent); all were managed easily. No mortality was observed. It is concluded that patients with von Willebrand's disease do not carry an increased operative risk if appropriate precautions are taken.