Polycythemia vera in an oral surgical patient. A case report.

Polycythemia vera is a stem cell disorder that results in an increase in the production of red blood cells. Although numerous mechanisms have been suggested, the cause of the disease is unknown. Diagnosis is based on clinical and laboratory presentation. This article reviews the history of polycythemia vera and illustrates a representative case report of the disease process. Postoperative morbidity in the surgical patient is discussed with respect to preoperative therapeutic control. Recommendations are made for preoperative therapy in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery.