Management of hemophilia in otolaryngologic surgery. A contemporary protocol.

Hemophiliacs are well known to be among the high-risk groups for acquiring acquired immunodeficiency syndrome due to their frequent exposure to pooled blood products. We reviewed our recent experience involving hemophiliacs undergoing a variety of otolaryngologic surgical procedures. A protocol was developed to minimize the risks of hemorrhage through the judicious use of preoperative and post-operative coagulation replacement products. Modern hemostatic techniques, such as the use of the surgical laser, also had a role in lessening the incidence of bleeding problems. The relative risks of the various hemostatic products with regard to the transmission of communicable diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis were evaluated. Recent data suggest that heat treatment of factors VIII and IX concentrates eliminates the risk of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome transmission, and these heated concentrates should be used in preference to older products. Hepatitis remains a problem, but this risk may be reduced to some degree through immunization with hepatitis B vaccines that have recently been proved safe and effective.