Doctronic navigation menu Log In
Doctronic navigation menu
Contents
  • Understanding Thromboembolism and Bleeding Risks
  • What Are Thromboembolic Risks?
  • Bleeding Risks Explained
  • Deciding on Anticoagulation Interruption

Managing Anticoagulation During Surgery: What You Need to Know

Managing Anticoagulation During Surgery: What You Need to Know

The Big Picture

Balancing anticoagulation during surgery is tricky. It's about preventing clots without causing too much bleeding.
Contents
  • Understanding Thromboembolism and Bleeding Risks
  • What Are Thromboembolic Risks?
  • Bleeding Risks Explained
  • Deciding on Anticoagulation Interruption

Understanding Thromboembolism and Bleeding Risks

When anticoagulation is stopped for surgery, the risk of clots increases, but continuing it might mean more bleeding. Doctors need to weigh these risks carefully to avoid serious complications. The decision often depends on the type of surgery and the patient's health history, such as heart conditions or recent clotting events.

What Are Thromboembolic Risks?

Thromboembolic risk is how likely you are to develop blood clots. Factors like atrial fibrillation, recent strokes, or heart valve issues increase this risk. For example, atrial fibrillation can lead to strokes if not managed properly, so careful planning is needed when surgery is involved.
A procedure to manage anticoagulation in patients undergoing surgery, balancing the risk of thromboembolism and bleeding.

Bleeding Risks Explained

Bleeding risk varies with the surgery type and patient health. High-risk procedures like heart surgery require stopping anticoagulants, while low-risk ones like dental work might not. Other factors, such as age and kidney function, also play a role in deciding whether to interrupt anticoagulation.

Deciding on Anticoagulation Interruption

Interrupting anticoagulation depends on balancing thromboembolic and bleeding risks. High bleeding risk generally means stopping anticoagulants, while low-risk procedures might allow continuation. The decision requires careful clinical judgment and consideration of individual patient factors.

FAQs

What is thromboembolism?

It's a condition where blood clots form and travel through blood vessels.

Why stop anticoagulants for surgery?

Stopping them reduces bleeding risk during surgery.

Can anticoagulants be continued for minor procedures?

Yes, for low-risk procedures, they might not need to be stopped.

What factors increase bleeding risk?

Surgery type, age, and kidney function can increase risk.

How is thromboembolic risk assessed?

It's assessed based on conditions like atrial fibrillation and recent strokes.

Key Takeaways

Balancing anticoagulation during surgery requires careful evaluation of both thromboembolic and bleeding risks.
Talk to Doctronic to understand how anticoagulation affects your upcoming surgery.
Additional References
  1. Douketis JD, Spyropoulos AC, Murad MH, et al. Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy: An American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Chest 2022; 162:e207.
  2. Healey JS, Eikelboom J, Douketis J, et al. Periprocedural bleeding and thromboembolic events with dabigatran compared with warfarin: results from the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy (RE-LY) randomized trial. Circulation 2012; 126:343.
  3. Sherwood MW, Douketis JD, Patel MR, et al. Outcomes of temporary interruption of rivaroxaban compared with warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: results from the rivaroxaban once daily, oral, direct factor Xa inhibition compared with vitamin K antagonism for prevention of stroke and embolism trial in atrial fibrillation (ROCKET AF). Circulation 2014; 129:1850.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.