Dtsch Arztebl Int
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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. ⋯ 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.