International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology
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Antiplatelet drugs given to high risk patients for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease are frequently withdrawn prior to surgical or diagnostic procedures to reduce bleeding complications. This is also the case for many patients undergoing lower limb vascular surgery via spinal or epidural anaesthesia. The aim of this study is to corroborate the clinician's decision for discontinuing or continuing the anti-platelet treatment in these patients perioperatively. ⋯ Therefore, their preoperative withdrawal is suggested 8 hours to 14 days prior, accordingly. The existing evidence does not justify the discontinuation of aspirin and NSAIDs before the intended procedure. Anesthesiologists and surgeons should be aware of the cardiovascular risks of withdrawal versus the non - evidence based benefit in hemorrhage complications.
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Antiplatelet drugs given to high risk patients for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease are frequently withdrawn prior to surgical or diagnostic procedures to reduce bleeding complications. This is also the case for many patients undergoing lower limb vascular surgery via spinal or epidural anaesthesia. The aim of this study is to corroborate the clinician's decision for discontinuing or continuing the anti-platelet treatment in these patients perioperatively. ⋯ Therefore, their preoperative withdrawal is suggested 8 hours to 14 days prior, accordingly. The existing evidence does not justify the discontinuation of aspirin and NSAIDs before the intended procedure. Anesthesiologists and surgeons should be aware of the cardiovascular risks of withdrawal versus the non - evidence based benefit in hemorrhage complications.