Bleeding is a common sequela of periodontal and oral surgery.  Generally, bleeding is self-limiting.  Special circumstances require additional procedures to reduce or eliminate active hemorrhage.  Occasionally hemorrhage can be under control when a patient is dismissed from their surgical appointment and, subsequently, the patient will experience either slow seepage of blood or extravascular clot formation.  This case report describes the unique formation of a "liver clot" or "currant jelly clot" following periodontal plastic surgery.  The clotting cascade and common laboratory tests to evaluate bleeding disorders are also presented.

Keywords:  Oral surgery, periodontal surgery, hemorrhage, "liver clot," "currant
jelly clot"

Citation:  Druckman RF, Fowler EB, Breault LG.  Post-Surgical Hemorrhage:  Formation of a "Liver Clot" Secondary to Periodontal Plastic Surgery.  J Contemp Dent Pract 2001 May;(2)2: 062-071.