Most patients admitted to the PACU are closely observed for postoperative bleeding. Although some bleeding is to be expected, some patients may have alterations in the hemostatic process leading to excess blood loss. Hemostasis can be intentionally altered by drugs given preoperatively and/or intraoperatively. The effects of these drugs may contribute to the postoperative blood loss. This article reviews the normal hemostatic process as a foundation for discussing the commonly used drugs affecting hemostasis.
