Management of the oral and maxillofacial surgery patient with sickle cell disease and related hemoglobinopathies.

The oral and maxillofacial surgery patient with a sickle cell hemoglobinopathy presents a complex and challenging clinical management problem. The potential for significant morbidity and mortality among these patients is great. Thus the surgeon must adhere to sound principles of medical and surgical practice to avoid major difficulties. This article describes the complex pathophysiology, clinical course, and management principles of the oral and maxillofacial surgery patient with sickle cell disease.