Medicine
Perioperative Management of Anticoagulation in Elective Surgery
Quick fact
For most direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), surgery is typically postponed until 24 to 72 hours after the last dose, depending on the drug and kidney function, while warfarin is usually stopped about 5 days before surgery—but some patients need 'bridging' with a short-acting injectable anticoagulant to keep them protected.
Why this is interesting
Imagine you're scheduled for a minor surgery, but you take a daily blood thinner. Your doctor says you must stop it—but how long before? Too long and you risk a blood clot; too short and you risk bleeding on the operating table. How do they decide?