Haemophilia: A rare cause of bleeding after ear surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive bleeding during ear surgery is a troublesome problem which could be related to inadequate infiltration, active infection, trauma to the dura or jugular bulb or sudden hypertension. When the problem recurs in the postoperative period, despite intraoperative control of the field, a bleeding diathesis should be suspected. Case report: We present two adult patients in whom excessive intraoperative and postoperative bleeding associated with ear surgery led to the diagnosis of congenital mild haemophilia A. Conclusion: This case report highlights the fact that excessive perioperative bleeding for which no other cause can be found in an adult patient should suggest the presence of a bleeding diathesis like haemophilia A or B for which detailed coagulation workup is required. Any subsequent surgery would need to be performed with administration of specific perioperative medication to reduce the possibility of excessive bleeding.