Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: History and Perioperative Care of Patients Undergoing HSCT

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is used to treat a variety of hematologic, oncologic, immunologic, and metabolic disorders in both children and adults. Patients who undergo bone marrow transplantation can have numerous complications such as infection, engraftment failure, mucositis, and graft versus host disease. As a result, they require numerous diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Anesthesiologists can aid these patients by providing anesthesia and/or heavy sedation for these often uncomfortable procedures. Both the underlying disease process and the complications of HSCT such as graft versus host disease must be taken into consideration when managing these patients.