Why can't bypass surgery be performed if having low platelet count?
Patient: My mom is a renal failure patient she has three coronary arteries that are blocked and the one that is working is leaking they first wanted to do a bypass however her platelet count dropped and now they want to put three stents in why have they changed the plan Doctor: Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.Low platelet count is a contraindication for any surgery especially a major surgery like bypass. Low platelet count can cause massive bleeding and thus a threat to life. This is why they have advised you against bypass. But still angioplasty also needs giving blood thinner and in low platelet count it can also cause significant bleeding. We generally perform it when platelet count is more than 1 lakh. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Sameer Maheshwari