Management of the oral and maxillofacial surgery patient with thrombocytopenia

Patients with disorders of coagulation and bleeding can be among the most c hallenging surgical patients to manage. Intraoperative or postoperative ble eding can contribute to life-threatening complications in even the most "be nign" surgical procedures. An adequate number and function of platelets pla y a critical role in the coagulation pathway. A thorough understanding of p latelet physiology and platelet disorders is therefore essential in the man agement of the thrombocytopathic oral and maxillo facial surgery patient. A careful preoperative evaluation will help the surgeon treat these patients and help prevent potentially catastrophic intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. (C) 2001 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.