PLATELET TRANSFUSION FOR SURGERY IN THE PRESENCE OF POLYCYTHEMIA-VERA

Surgery in the presence of uncontrolled polycythemia vera is associate d with a high incidence of perioperative hemorrhage and postoperative venous thromboses. Control prior to surgery reduces the frequency of p erioperative complications. A 73-year-old women suffering from polycyt hemia vera was scheduled for subtotal gastrectomy. Her platelet count before surgery was slightly elevated but bleeding time was prolonged. To manage the current case of polycythemia vera, hydroxyurea was effec tive for the control of hematocrit and transfusion of platelet concent rates was effective for hemostasis.