Perioperative management of von Willebrand disease in dermatologic surgery.
BACKGROUND
Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder, affecting an estimated 0.1% to 1% of the population. It is caused by a qualitative or quantitative defect of von Willebrand factor. Primary manifestations include intractable mucocutaneous bleeding after surgery or trauma.


OBJECTIVE
The objective was to review the pathophysiology and clinical features of VWD and to propose a perioperative management strategy for patients with this condition undergoing dermatologic surgery.


METHODS
Literature is reviewed.


RESULTS
The various types and clinical manifestations of this condition are reviewed, and a perioperative strategy is presented for managing patients with VWD who undergo cutaneous oncologic or cosmetic surgical procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
In most cases, dermatologic surgery can be safely performed in patients with VWD. The use of appropriate therapeutic prophylaxis in conjunction with a hematologist is indicated in high-risk, nonelective procedures.
Leonard
Aimee L
AL
Laser and Skin Surgery Center of Indiana, Carmel, Indiana 46032, USA. aleonard100@yahoo.com
Hanke
C William
CW
Greist
Anne
A
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D014842:von Willebrand Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy