General considerations when planning for a procedure

Most procedures can be done safely with adequate planning, treatment and monitoring.

It is important that you notify the Hemophilia Treatment Center of any procedures well ahead so that:

  • health professionals looking after you can develop a plan for the procedure to be done as safely as possible.
  • preparations can be made to deal with bleeding problems that may occur during or after the procedure.
  • Arrangements can be made for specialized medication administration, if required, after discharge

Please also note:

  • Procedures should be done early in the week and early in the day.  Not all facilities are able to conduct specialized blood tests, if required, late in the day or on the weekend.  If any complications occur they can be dealt with more easily during a regular workday.
  • If sufficient time is not available to arrange safe treatment, your procedure may have to be postponed.
  • Most factor replacement products need to be given immediately prior to the procedure (usually within one hour).  Blood tests may be needed before and after the procedure to monitor how well the treatment is working.
  • Sometimes a test to find out how well the factor replacement or other clotting treatment is working may need to be done before the surgery or procedure is booked.

Surgery and other invasive procedures for people with a bleeding disorder are never without risk, but with careful planning and communication most procedures can be managed safely.