Surgical and Inpatient Care
Prior to any invasive procedure patients with a known bleeding disorder should be
reviewed by a haematologist or by the team at a Haemophilia Treatment Centre. It is the
responsibility of the haematologist / HTC Team to prescribe the necessary bleeding
disorder treatment and possible blood tests required. Treatment may be required for up
to 10 days.
DDAVP (Desmopressin) is usually available from Pharmacy. Factor concentrates are
located in either the Pharmacy or Blood Bank (Transfusion Medicine Unit), depending on
your hospital’s preference.
Treatment is generally given within1 hour pre operatively unless stated otherwise.
Patients should be monitored for bleeding post procedure. Remember that the treatment
administered corrects the patients bleeding disorder to within the “normal range”.
Therefore some bleeding may be considered normal. Excessive bleeding or changes in
patients’ vital signs warrant urgent review.
TEDS and foot/calf pumps are appropriate post operative measures in the prevention of
DVT associated with surgery. The decision to use anti-coagulant DVT prophylaxis (e.g.
heparin) should be made in consultation with the haematologist.
Patients may require follow-up treatment in the post-operative period. Necessary
treatment and blood tests required should be ordered either by or in consultation with a
haematologist.
If you have any questions about a patient having surgery please contact your relevant
Haemophilia Treatment Centre.