Is my platelet count acceptable to go ahead for surgery?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 73-year-old male, and I have been scheduled for a co-surgery. Da Vinci prostatectomy for PC and double hernia repair with patches. My platelet count is 92 x 10^3 per microliter. I have had this for over 17 years. I had a bone marrow biopsy 16 years ago and also had a recent one 3 years ago. Both were negative. Everything else is in the normal range in my CBC. My PT was 13.8 seconds, PT INR 1.1, and PTT 30 seconds.

Is the platelet count acceptable for the procedure?
Is there any risk of increasing the platelet count by infusion?
Why should it be increased at all when one of the dangers after the operation is clot formation?
Could I sign a waiver if the surgeon is reluctant to go ahead with the procedure with this platelet count?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

Yes, this platelet count is acceptable for all major procedures, except those involving the central nervous system.
This platelet count should not cause any problems during surgery. However, if doubtful, an extra platelet transfusion and a few units kept ready to transfuse on short notice can be considered.
Similar to any blood product, the risk of infection or allergic reaction is present. Nowadays, there is virtually no risk due to good screening procedures.
Clot formation is more related to coagulation factors than platelets, and after surgery, the formation of blood clots inside a blood vessel, or thrombus, is a rare event and occurs in major surgeries with risk factors. Here, no risk should be present.
Yes, you can sign. All surgeries require waivers, and with normal bleeding time, you can go ahead.

I hope that this answers your query.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.