Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors and Anticoagulants in Gastroenterological and Visceral Surgical Procedures-an Update.

BACKGROUND
The proper management of patients being treated with platelet aggregation inhibitors or anticoagulant drugs is a common clinical problem for both elective and emergency procedures in gastroenterology and visceral surgery. The essential matters that must be kept in mind in this situation are the hemorrhagic risk of the procedure, the indication for anticoagulation, and the pharmacology of anticoagulant drugs and platelet aggregation inhibitors.


METHODS
This review is based on publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed and on the guidelines of the relevant specialist societies.


RESULTS
Nearly all procedures in gastroenterology and visceral surgery can be performed under monotherapy with acetylsalicylic acid. Other platelet aggregation inhibitors, such as clopidogrel or prasugrel, or anticoagulant drugs generally do not need to paused before diagnostic endoscopic procedures with a low risk of bleeding (<1.5%), but they must be paused before procedures in gastroenterology and visceral surgery where the risk of bleeding is high (≥ 1.5%). Bridging with heparin is reserved for patients with a very high risk of thromboembolism ( ≥ 5%).


CONCLUSION
Knowledge of the current recommendations on the management of anticoagulants before gastroenterological and visceral surgical procedures gives the clinician a well-founded means of dealing with this complex and common clinical situation.