Effect of aspirin intake on bleeding during cataract surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To study the association between chronic intake of aspirin and intraoperative bleeding during cataract surgery and the effect of discontinuing the medication before surgery.


METHODS
Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel.


METHODS
Sixty-one patients having cataract surgery and receiving aspirin to prevent thromboembolic events were divided into 3 groups: Group A, continuation of the medication; Group B, cessation of aspirin intake for 2 to 5 days before surgery; Group C, cessation of medication for 7 to 10 days before surgery. Blood tests of coagulation parameters, a detailed questionnaire, and 1 day and 1 week follow-up were evaluated.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in blood tests and the amount and incidence of intraoperative bleeding among the 3 groups. Diathermy was used somewhat more in Group A; however, there was no difficulty stopping the bleeding in any case and discontinuation of the medication had no effect on the intraoperative course or postoperative outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Aspirin intake was not associated with significant intraoperative bleeding; thus, discontinuation of aspirin is usually not indicated. Clear corneal phacoemulsification is advantageous in patients receiving antiplatelet therapy.
Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Hospital, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel.
E I
EI
Assia
T
T
Raskin
I
I
Kaiserman
Y
Y
Rotenstreich
F
F
Segev
D001241:Aspirin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D002387:Cataract Extraction; D005130:Eye Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006454:Hemoglobins; D001241:Aspirin