A women with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelocytic leukemia lived nearly 12 years from the time of diagnosis. During most of this period she received no therapy, and marked cyclic oscillations in the white blood cell count were documented. The last two years of her illness were marked by a hemorrhagic disorder associated with hypofibrinogenemia, thrombocytopenia, increased plasma fibrinopeptide A concentration and markedly elevated serum levels of fibrin degradation products. The coagulation disorder was rapidly reversible on several occasions with heparin therapy. After treatment with heparin and platelet transfusions, the patient underwent successful resection of a large ovarian cyst with excellent hemostasis during the procedure. Postoperatively, the administration of heparin and platelets was discontinued and a large wound hematoma developed. After resumption of therapy with heparin and platelets, the remainder of her postoperative course was uneventful. The literature on the subject is reviewed and tentative guidelines are offered concerning the management of patients with intravascular coagulation who require diagnostic or therapeutic surgical procedures.