[Dermatologic surgery, hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease]

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) and hemophilia A and B are the most common types of hereditary coagulation-factor deficiencies. The frequency and type of complications of skin surgery in these patients are unknown. The increasing incidence of skin cancer prompted us to reflect upon this issue. While the incidence of skin cancer is increasing, the complications of skin surgery or ablative laser treatment remain unknown in this population.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of bleeding complications during and after skin surgery in patients with a hereditary coagulation-factor deficiency (hemophilia or VWD).

We conducted a retrospective study in patients with hemophilia A or B or VWD undergoing skin surgery or ablative laser treatment at the Dermatology Department of the Cochin Hospital in Paris, France.

Fourteen procedures were performed in 8 patients. Three episodes of bleeding occurred (n=3/14, 21.4%): one hematoma, one delayed bleed and one immediate bleed. None of these complications required surgical revision or resuscitation.

The rate of hemorrhagic complications was higher than in the general population. However, these complications can be considered non-serious and the risk-benefit ratio remains favorable. Multidisciplinary management and coordination with the reference hemophilia center are mandatory in this population to establish a coagulation-factor (CF) substitution protocol suited to the disease characteristics and the surgical procedure.