[Aspirin and endoscopy].
A patient with stable anginal syndrome, on aspirin, was admitted for colonoscopy, as part of a work-up for weightloss and iron deficiency anemia. Should this patient discontinue aspirin prior to the colonoscopy? A literature review, as well as the current guidelines of the American Association for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, did not support such an act. An Israeli physician survey, published recently, suggests an interesting attitude for this dilemma, in which the risk imposed on the patient by withdrawal of aspirin will determine whether to continue or stop the drug prior to the procedure. Such an approach may bridge the gap between the guidelines and the natural hesitation to perform minor endoscopic surgery under aspirin treatment.
Naimushin
Alexey
A
Medicine F, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Livneh
Avi
A
D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin