Management of hemophilia in colon and rectal surgery

With the introduction of Factor VIII concentrates, surgery on patients with hemophilia has become possible. The mortality in recent large series is zero. The morbidity has been variable, with postoperative hemorrhage the most common complication. There is a dramatic change in therapeutic strategy with the development of Factor VIII inhibitors. In reviewing the literature, there are no reports discussing this patient population with respect to the subspecialty of colon and rectal surgery. The authors present a report of a patient with hemophilia who, after hemorroidectomy, developed Factor VIII inhibitors and continued hemorrhage. This article also reviews the literature and centralizes the management of colon and rectal surgery patients with hemophilia.