Which deficiency is commonly noted for causing severe bleeding during surgical procedures?

Factor XIII deficiency is linked to severe bleeding during surgical procedures primarily because Factor XIII plays a critical role in the final stages of the coagulation cascade. This factor is responsible for cross-linking fibrin, which stabilizes the clot that forms during hemostasis. Without adequate levels of Factor XIII, the fibrin mesh produced is less stable and is prone to breakdown, leading to inadequate hemostasis.

Patients with Factor XIII deficiency may experience delayed bleeding after surgery rather than immediate bleeding, which can complicate surgical recovery. This is particularly significant in surgical settings, where any deficiency in the clotting cascade can pose serious risks during and after the procedure. Given the essential role of Factor XIII in maintaining clot stability, its deficiency is a notable cause of severe and potentially life-threatening bleeding during surgical interventions.