Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
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Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg · Mar 2013
Bleeding complications in both anticoagulated and nonanticoagulated surgical patients.
This study was performed to ascertain the incidence of anticoagulant use in oculoplastic surgical patients and the reliability of patient medication disclosure. Differences in perioperative bleeding complications among patients continuing anticoagulants, those who withheld the medications, and those not anticoagulated were investigated. ⋯ Forty percent of patients undergoing oculoplastic procedures were using anticoagulants; yet, many patients failed to disclose their medication usage. The decision to operate and whether to discontinue these medications must be individualized considering the nature of the procedure and the patient's medical condition. It may be appropriate to continue anticoagulants in certain patients at increased risk for a vascular event, ensuring adequate hemostasis throughout the procedure.