Coagulation and Hematology in Neurological Surgery: An Issue of Neurosurgery

Coagulation and hematology are important considerations in neurological surgery. The ability to control bleeding is essential for successful surgery, and a thorough understanding of the coagulation cascade and hematologic disorders is necessary for the neurosurgeon.

Coagulation and Hematology in Neurological Surgery, An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics of North America (The Clinics: Surgery Book 29)

by John Updike

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18256 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	399 pages

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Coagulation

Coagulation is the process by which blood forms a clot to stop bleeding. The coagulation cascade is a complex series of enzymatic reactions that leads to the formation of fibrin, which is the main component of a blood clot. The coagulation cascade is triggered by tissue damage, which releases tissue factor into the bloodstream. Tissue factor activates factor VII, which in turn activates factor X. Factor X activates factor V, which then activates prothrombin. Prothrombin is converted to thrombin, which converts fibrinogen to fibrin. Fibrin forms a meshwork that traps red blood cells and platelets, forming a clot.

Hematology

Hematology is the study of blood. Hematologic disorders can affect the coagulation cascade and lead to bleeding or clotting problems. Some of the most common hematologic disorders include:

* Anemia: Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues. Anemia can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and pale skin. * Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells. Leukemia can lead to bleeding or clotting problems. * Hemophilia: Hemophilia is a genetic disorder in which the blood does not clot properly. Hemophilia can lead to excessive bleeding. * Thrombocytopenia: Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the blood does not have enough platelets. Platelets are necessary for the formation of blood clots. Thrombocytopenia can lead to bleeding.

Management of Bleeding in the Operating Room

Bleeding is a common complication of neurological surgery. The neurosurgeon must be prepared to manage bleeding in the operating room. The following are some of the techniques that can be used to control bleeding:

* Electrocautery: Electrocautery is a device that uses heat to seal bleeding vessels. * Laser: Lasers can be used to seal bleeding vessels or to vaporize tissue. * Hemostatic agents: Hemostatic agents are substances that can help to stop bleeding. Hemostatic agents can be applied to bleeding vessels or to the surgical site. * Transfusion: Transfusion of blood products can be used to replace blood loss and to correct coagulation disorders.

Coagulation and hematology are important considerations in neurological surgery. The neurosurgeon must have a thorough understanding of the coagulation cascade and hematologic disorders in order to be able to safely perform surgery and to manage bleeding in the operating room.

Coagulation and Hematology in Neurological Surgery, An Issue of Neurosurgery Clinics of North America (The Clinics: Surgery Book 29)

by John Updike

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18256 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	399 pages

FREE