Perioperative management of ophthalmic patients on antithrombotic therapy

The large majority of elderly patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery take antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs on a regular basis. Antithrombotic treatments predisposes to bleeding complications that may lead to retrobulbar haemorrhage, suprachoroidal haemorrhage and ultimately, to loss of vision. H...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jin Yan, Li Wang, Yang Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Press of International Journal of Ophthalmology (IJO PRESS) 2015-07-01
Series:Guoji Yanke Zazhi
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ies.ijo.cn/cn_publish/2015/7/201507019.pdf
Description
Summary:The large majority of elderly patients undergoing ophthalmic surgery take antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs on a regular basis. Antithrombotic treatments predisposes to bleeding complications that may lead to retrobulbar haemorrhage, suprachoroidal haemorrhage and ultimately, to loss of vision. However, discontinuation of antithrombotic medication in such patients may lead to thromboembolic events with serious consequences. There are no guidelines on perioperative management of ophthalmic patients who are on antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. We reviewed traditional and newer agents in the context of cataract, vitreoretinal, glaucoma and oculoplastic surgery. Recommendations are given for continuation, cessation and recommencement of these agents in order to minimise the risk of bleeding and thrombotic complications.
ISSN:1672-5123
1672-5123