The effect of halothane general anaesthesia on platelet function.

Major craniofacial surgery has the potential for very large blood loss, frequently greater than one blood volume. In order that an assessment could be made of any deficiencies of platelet function or coagulation, tests were performed at intervals during the operation. None of the coagulation parameters showed variation below normal limits during the operation, but in vitro platelet aggregation showed significant decreases to several agonists.