Hemostatic changes following surgery

ABSTRACT

Measurements of hemostatic variables were performed prior to and up to the fifth day following general surgery in patients of Arab origin [N = 53]. There was a significant postoperative elevation in the levels of plasma fibrinogen, clotting factors VIII and reduction of factor VII, ATIII, plasminogen, packed cell volume and platelet count. No significant changes were noted in PT, PTT, TT, RT, alpha-2-antiplasmin and factor X. Platelet aggregation responses to ADP, adrenaline, collagen, arachidonic acid and ristocetin was likewise unaffected by surgery. It was concluded that although the changes in plasmatic coagulation parameters are similar to that reported in Caucasians, lack of evidence of enhanced aggregation following surgery may explain the presumed low incidence of deep vein thrombosis in Arabs