Multiple antithrombotic agents increase the risk of postoperative hemorrhage in dermatologic surgery.
BACKGROUND
Studies show that holding single antithrombotic agents perioperatively increases the risk of acute thrombotic events and does not significantly decrease the risk of bleeding complications in dermatological surgery. Recent data suggest that selected patients may benefit from combination therapy in preventing acute thrombotic events.


OBJECTIVE
We sought to evaluate postoperative bleeding complications in patients who underwent Mohs micrographic surgery while using multiple agents perioperatively compared with patients using a single agent or none at all.


METHODS
We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients treated in one academic Mohs micrographic surgery department during 1 year.


RESULTS
Patients taking two or more agents at the time of surgery were more likely to bleed than those taking one agent or none at all (P = .0016, Fisher's exact).


CONCLUSIONS
Small sample size and retrospective nature were limitations.


CONCLUSIONS
Perioperative use of more than one antithrombotic agent increases postoperative bleeding risk.
Shimizu
Ikue
I
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 01903, USA.
Jellinek
Nathaniel J
NJ
Dufresne
Raymond G
RG
Li
Tianyu
T
Devarajan
Karthik
K
Perlis
Clifford
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015580:Mohs Surgery / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents