All anesthesiologists are confronted with patients who show bleeding disorders,whether congenital, acquired, or pharmacologically induced. Although manystudies, meta-analyses, guidelines, and textbooks have been published on thesubject, they mostly cover specific aspects or require a thorough knowledge ofhemostasis. The goal of this book is to provide the anesthesiologist with an overviewof hemostasis and the mechanisms underlying bleeding and coagulation ingeneral and to assist in the understanding of specific coagulation disorders asthey may occur in the various anesthesia subspecialties. It is hoped that, throughthe provision of practical information and tools, the book will help residents andtrained anesthesiologists to manage one of the most frustrating challenges that theyface: the bleeding patient. A full understanding of coagulation requires a lifelongcareer, and this book is not intended to replace the consulting hematologist,whose expert opinion should always be sought. The available procoagulantblood products and drugs all have potentially dangerous side-effects;furthermore, in bleeding disorders pitfalls are frequent and a misdiagnosis canhave potentially catastrophic consequences. The aim of the editors is thusinstead to enhance the collaboration between the disciplines of Anesthesiology and Hematology.
