Preoperative Test of Bleeding Time in Ear Surgery

Abstract

In 300 patients subjected to ear surgery the bleeding time according to Ivy was determined pre-operatively. In 25 cases prolonged bleeding time was found. Further investigations revealed mild thrombo-asthenia in 4 cases and enhanced fibrinolytic activity in one instance. In 10 patients the cause was intake of drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid. During operation the patients were treated with AMCA and in two cases fresh blood also was given. Even slightly enhanced bleeding can affect the results in microsurgery of the ear. We therefore suggest that bleeding time should be determined as a preoperative routine in order to detect the patients in need of specific treatment. Patients also should be recommended to avoid drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid for a fortnight before surgery.