Is preoperative withdrawal of aspirin necessary in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair?

Evaluating the safety profile of anti-platelet therapy in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

There remains no consensus surrounding the safety of prescribing anti-platelet therapies (APT) prior to elective inguinal hernia repair (IHR).

AIMS

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the safety profile of APT use in patients indicated to undergo elective IHR.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed using the Mantel-Haenszel method using the Review Manager version 5.4 software.

RESULTS

Five studies including outcomes in 344 patients were included. Of these, 65.4% had APT discontinued (225/344), and 34.6% had APT continued (119/344). The majority of included patients were male (94.1%, 288/344). When continuing or discontinuing APT, there was no significant difference in overall haemorrhage rates (odds ratio (OR): 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.29-11.78, P = 0.130) and in sensitivity analysis using only RCT data (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.03-12.41, P = 0.760). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in reoperation rates (OR: 6.27, 95% CI: 0.72-54.60, P = 0.590); however, a significant difference was observed for readmission rates (OR: 5.67, 95% CI: 1.33-24.12, P = 0.020) when APT was continued or stopped pre-operatively. There was no significant difference in the estimated blood loss, intra-operative time, transfusion of blood products, rates of complications, cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarctions, or mortality observed.

CONCLUSION

This study illustrates the safety of continuing APT pre-operatively in patients undergoing elective IHR, with similar rates of haemorrhage, reoperation, and readmission observed. Clinical trials with larger patient recruitment will be required to fully establish the safety profile of prescribing APT in the pre-operative setting prior to elective IHR.

Sutureless Repair for Open Treatment of Inguinal Hernia: Three Techniques in Comparison

Currently, groin hernia repair is mostly performed with application of mesh prostheses fixed with or without suture. However, views on safety and efficacy of different surgical approaches are still partly discordant. In this multicentre retrospective study, three sutureless procedures, i.e., mesh fixation with glue, application of self-gripping mesh, and Trabucco's technique, were compared in 1034 patients with primary unilateral non-complicated inguinal hernia subjected to open anterior surgery. Patient-related features, comorbidities, and drugs potentially affecting the intervention outcomes were also examined. The incidence of postoperative complications, acute and chronic pain, and time until discharge were assessed. A multivariate logistic regression was used to compare the odds ratio of the surgical techniques adjusting for other risk factors. The application of standard/heavy mesh, performed in the Trabucco's technique, was found to significantly increase the odds ratio of hematomas (p = 0.014) and, most notably, of acute postoperative pain (p < 0.001). Among the clinical parameters, antithrombotic therapy and large hernia size were independent risk factors for hematomas and longer hospital stay, whilst small hernias were an independent predictor of pain. Overall, our findings suggest that the Trabucco's technique should not be preferred in patients with a large hernia and on antithrombotic therapy.

Do antiplatelets and anticoagulants have an impact on the clinical outcomes of robotic ventral hernia repair?

BACKGROUND

We sought to study the impact of antithrombotics(antiplatelets and anticoagulants) on robotic ventral hernia repair(RVHR).

METHODS

RVHR cases were divided into antithrombotic (AT) (-) and AT (+) groups. After comparing both groups, a logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

611 patients had no AT-medication. The AT(+) group had 219 patients of which 153 were only on antiplatelets, 52 only on anticoagulants, and 14(6.4%) patients on both antithrombotics. Mean age, American Society of Anesthesiology scores, and comorbidities were significantly higher in the AT(+) group. Intraoperative blood loss was greater in the AT(+) group. Postoperatively, the AT(+) group had greater rates of Clavien-Dindo grade-II and IV-a complications(p=0.001, and p=0.013, respectively), and postoperative hematomas(p=0.013). Mean follow-up was greater than 40 months. Age[Odds Ratio(OR): 1.034] and anticoagulants(OR: 3.121) were associated with increased bleeding-related events.

CONCLUSION

There were no associations between maintained antiplatelet therapy and postoperative bleeding-related events in RVHR whereas age and anticoagulants had the highest association.

Safety of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in the setting of antithrombotic therapy

INTRODUCTION

There are a paucity of data regarding the safety of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in patients on antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy (APT/ACT). We aim to compare the postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic (LIHR) vs. open repair of inguinal hernias (OIHR) in patients on APT/ACT.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Vizient Clinical DataBase. We included adults receiving APT/ACT who underwent outpatient, elective, and primary inguinal hernia repair between 2017 and 2019. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients receiving aspirin, non-aspirin antiplatelet, and anticoagulant therapy. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to assess both the effect of APT/ACT on the probability of receiving LIHR vs OIHR and their respective outcomes.

RESULT

A total of 142,052 repairs were included, of which 21,441 (15%) were performed on patients receiving APT/ACT. Mean age was 69 years (± 10.5) and 93% were male. 19% of hernias were bilateral. 40% of operations were performed at teaching hospitals. On multivariable analysis, patients on non-aspirin antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy were more likely to receive an open procedure (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.2; 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) [1.1, 1.4] and OR = 1.4; CI [1.3, 1.5], respectively). LIHR was associated with a lower rate of length of stay > 1 day (OR = 0.65; CI [0.5, 0.9]). Rates of 30-day postoperative hematoma, transfusions, stroke, myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, readmission, and emergency department visits were similar between the two operative approaches.

CONCLUSION

Patients on APT/ACT represent a substantial proportion of those undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Non-aspirin antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy are independent predictors of choosing an open repair. Laparoscopic repair appears to be safe in patients receiving APT/ACT under current perioperative management patterns.

Perioperative Management of Antiplatelet Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the available evidence about the perioperative management of patients who are receiving long-term antiplatelet therapy and require elective surgery/procedures.

METHODS

This systematic review supports the development of the American College of Chest Physicians guideline on the perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy. A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane databases was conducted from each database's inception to July 16, 2020. Meta-analyses were conducted when possible.

RESULTS

In patients receiving long-term antiplatelet therapy and undergoing elective noncardiac surgery, the available evidence did not show a significant difference in major bleeding between a shorter vs longer antiplatelet interruption, with low certainty of evidence (COE). Compared with patients who received placebo perioperatively, aspirin continuation was associated with increased risk of major bleeding (relative risk [RR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.15-1.50; high COE) and lower risk of major thromboembolism (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58-0.94; moderate COE). During antiplatelet interruption, bridging with low-molecular-weight heparin was associated with increased risk of major bleeding compared with no bridging (RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.24-2.79; very low COE). Continuation of antiplatelets during minor dental and ophthalmologic procedures was not associated with a statistically significant difference in the risk of major bleeding (very low COE).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review summarizes the current evidence about the perioperative management of antiplatelet therapy and highlights the urgent need for further research, particularly with the increasing prevalence of patients taking 1 or more antiplatelet agents.

Safety of Inguinal Hernia Repair in the Elderly with Perioperative Continuation of Antithrombotic Therapy

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of an inguinal hernia repair (IHR) under local anesthesia (LA) in the elderly with a perioperative continuation of antithrombotic therapy (AT).

Methods

A total of 120 patients undergoing elective primary IHR between August 2018 and August 2019 at the West China Hospital of China were prospectively studied, among which 60 patients also had coexisting cardiovascular diseases and had a continuation of AT perioperatively (antithrombotic group); the other 60 patients were not on any prior AT (control group). The primary endpoints were intra- and postoperative hemorrhagic complications, the required interventions for complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification, and postoperative thromboembolic complications. The secondary endpoints were nonhemorrhagic complications, intraoperative duration, and postoperative length of stay (LOS).

Results

None of the patients in both groups had significant intraoperative bleeding >10 mL, and there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the postoperative hemorrhagic complications: bruising (2 vs. 0%, p = 1.000), serosanguinous soakage (7 vs. 3%, p = 0.679), and no hematoma was observed. Interventions required for encountered complications based on the Clavien-Dindo classification grade I (7 vs. 5%, p = 1.000) were assessed. There were no episodes of postoperative thromboembolic complications within 60 days in both groups. There were also no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of nonhemorrhagic complications, intraoperative duration, and postoperative LOS (p > 0.05 in all).

Conclusions

The perioperative continuation of AT did not increase the risk of intra- and postoperative hemorrhagic complications following IHR in the elderly. Thus, IHR under LA seems to be safe and feasible in this setting.

The topical application of tranexamic acid to control bleeding in inguinal hernia surgery candidate patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background and objectives

Inguinal hernia surgery is a common procedure, especially for the elderly, who usually use anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of tranexamic acid (TXA) on the complications of inguinal hernia repair in patients using antiplatelets.

Patients and methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial that was performed during the 2018-2019 years. Forty patients with inguinal hernia and antiplatelet use were enrolled randomly into the two groups. In the intervention group, the patients received two injectable form (500mg/5 mL) of TXA, totally 10 mL as a topical application at the surgical site, and then the patient's surgical site was seen every 8 h for 48 h, and the patient was examined daily for one week.

Results

The mean length of hospitalization, seroma, hematoma and infection in the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, the duration of surgery in the TXA group was significantly shorter than in the control group (54.85 vs. 68.72 min) (P < 0.001). The mean bleeding during surgery was significantly lower in the TXA group than in the control group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings of present study indicate that topical TXA has a high ability to control bleeding. As a result, TXA is beneficial in terms of reducing bleeding and increasing the surgeon's satisfaction. Therefore, it is recommended that TXA be prescribed for patients requiring inguinal hernia surgery with a high risk of bleeding.

Perioperative Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Management with Endodontic Microsurgical Techniques

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to review evidence-based recommendations for the safe perioperative management of patients undergoing endodontic microsurgery who are currently taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications. Using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) format, the following scientific question was asked: In patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents, what is the available evidence in the management of endodontic microsurgery?

METHODS

MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched to identify current recommendations regarding the management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications in the context of outpatient dental surgical procedures. Additionally, the authors hand searched the bibliographies of all relevant articles, the gray literature, and textbooks. Because of the lack of clinical studies and evidence on this subject, articles and guidelines from other organizations and association position statements were included.

RESULTS

Because any minor surgery can become a major surgery, the treating doctor needs to best assess the risk of bleeding, especially if the surgery is anticipated to take longer than 45 minutes. Every patient should be stratified on a case-by-case basis. Consultation with the patient's physician is highly recommended.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to maximize the effects of these medications (to prevent thrombosis) while minimizing the potential risks (procedural hemorrhage), clinicians should be aware of the best available evidence when considering continuation or discontinuation of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents perioperatively for endodontic microsurgery. Ideally, a joint effort from an expert panel for microsurgery would be warranted.

Elective abdominal wall hernia repair surgical mortality-A systematic review of the literature and peer review of mortality in Australia

BACKGROUND

This study systematically reviewed the literature regarding perioperative mortality in human adults undergoing elective surgical abdominal wall hernia repair, including an audit of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) Australian and New Zealand Audit of Surgical Mortality (ANZASM) database.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for the reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis of observational studies. Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE and Embase database searches and data extraction were conducted from June 1979 to October 2019. Statistical analysis was undertaken utilising denominator values for elective hernia procedures derived from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data. Risk-adjusted perioperative mortality rates for the relevant procedures were also produced, using a binary logistic regression for the risk adjustment.

RESULTS

Through systematic review of the literature, it was established that the overall reported perioperative mortality in human adults undergoing elective surgical abdominal wall hernia repair was low (0.1%-0.5%). Using ANZASM and AIHW data, the calculated risk-adjusted mortality rate for Australian patients was found to be significantly lower (0.04%-0.06%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The risk-adjusted mortality rate for elective abdominal wall hernia surgery in Australia is very low and compares favourably to international cohorts. Despite low absolute numbers, the factors which were most significantly associated with increased perioperative mortality in patients undergoing elective surgical abdominal wall hernia repair were increased age, cardiorespiratory co-morbidity and incisional hernia repair.

A longitudinal study to evaluate the bleeding pattern of patients on low dose aspirin therapy following dental extraction

Background and Aims:

Antiplatelet dugs are often interrupted preceding invasive dental extraction because of concern of bleeding complications. The fear of uncontrolled bleeding often prompts medical and dental practitioners to stop aspirin intake for 7 to 10 days before any surgical procedure, which puts the patient at risk from adverse thrombotic events. The aim of the study conducted was to evaluate the bleeding pattern after routine dental extraction among patients on low dose long term aspirin therapy.

Methods:

A total of 104 subjects in the age group of 30-65 years, who continued to have aspirin intake during extraction were included in the study. Dental extraction was performed without stopping aspirin therapy under local anesthesia. The post-operative blood loss was quantified by weighing the gauze pre and post operatively and adding total volume of fluid in the suction jar.

Results:

Of these 104 patients treated, 87% of patients had mild bleeding (<20 ml) and 13% of patients had moderate bleeding (20-30 ml). The total study population showed a mean blood loss of 16.15 ± 3.5 ml.

Conclusion:

Within in the limitations, our study concluded that the routine dental extraction in patients under low dose aspirin therapy did not cause clinically significant post extraction hemorrhage. Aspirin intake can be continued during routine dental extraction as post extraction bleeding encountered will be negligible.

Continuation of antithrombotic therapy increases minor bleeding but does not increase the risk other morbidities in open inguinal hernia repair: A propensity score-matched analysis

PURPOSE

An aging population has led to an increased number of patients with cardiovascular comorbidities requiring antithrombotic therapy. Perioperatively, surgeons should consider the increased risk of bleeding and thrombotic events in patients continuing or discontinuing these medications. We aimed to analyze the safety of continued antithrombotic therapy during open inguinal hernia repair.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective study, 4870 adult patients who underwent open inguinal hernia repair surgery by the same surgeon from 2008 January to 2019 March were included. Patients who underwent surgery while continuing antithrombotic therapy were included in the antithrombin group (n = 523) while those who were not under any antithrombotic therapy during the surgery were included in the control group (n = 4333). Using propensity score-matching, we then selected patients from each group with similar backgrounds. Surgery time, anesthesia time, postoperative bleeding, reoperation, and thrombotic event data were compared between the groups. Subgroup analysis based on the type of medications used was performed within the antithrombin group.

RESULTS

Ten patients in the antithrombin group and seven patients in the control group experienced postoperative bleeding (p < 0.001). The rate of postoperative bleeding was the highest in patients taking multiple medications. However, most were managed conservatively. Three patients from the antithrombin group experienced thrombotic events postoperatively (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving continued antithrombotic therapy had an increased risk of minor postoperative bleeding; however, they are a high-risk group for thrombotic events.

Risk factors for development of early infectious and noninfectious complications in systemic lupus erythematosus patients undergoing major surgery

Background We aimed to identify risk factors for early complications in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients undergoing major surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective comparative cohort study including patients with SLE undergoing major surgery, and non-SLE patients matched 1:1. Main outcomes were development of infectious and noninfectious complications, and 30-day postoperative mortality. Results A total of 382 patients (191 SLE and 191 non-SLE) were included. Postoperative complications occurred in 82 (43%) SLE patients and 58 (30%) without SLE, ( p = 0.01). Variables associated with infectious complications in SLE patients: prednisone use (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.13-2.90), anemia (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.45-4.08), hypoalbuminemia (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.55-4.30) and lymphopenia (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.52-3.89), p < 0.05. Variables associated with noninfectious complications: anemia (OR, 1.93, 95% CI 1.03-3.64) and hypoalbuminemia (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.16-3.86), p < 0.05. Variables associated with any complication: SLEDAI-2K (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01-1.20), nephritis (OR 10.08, 95% CI 1.21-83.63), aspirin use (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.19-6.02, p = 0.01), low C3 (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.06-3.80), anemia (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.39-5.18), hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.83-6.66) and lymphopenia (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.30-4.26), p < 0.05. More patients with SLE died (6% vs 1%, p = 0.02). Conclusions SLE patients present higher frequency of postoperative complications and mortality compared with non-SLE patients. Hypoalbuminemia, anemia, lymphopenia and aspirin use are independent risk factors.

Perioperative management of drugs commonly used in patients with rheumatic diseases: a review

Rheumatic diseases are very prevalent, affecting about 7 million people in North America; they affect the musculoskeletal system, often with systemic involvement and potential for serious consequences and limitation on quality of life. Clinical treatment is usually long-term and includes drugs that are considered either simple or complex and are occasionally unknown to many health professionals who do not know how to manage these patients in emergency units and surgical wards. Thus, it is important for clinicians, surgeons and anesthesiologists who are involved with rheumatic patients undergoing surgery to know the basic principles of therapy and perioperative management. This study aims to do a review of the perioperative management of the most commonly used drugs in rheumatologic patients. Manuscripts used in this review were identified by surveying MEDLINE, LILACS, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases and included studies containing i) the perioperative management of commonly used drugs in patients with rheumatic diseases: and ii) rheumatic diseases. They are didactically discussed according to the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics; and perioperative management. In total, 259 articles related to the topic were identified. Every medical professional should be aware of the types of drugs that are appropriate for continuous use and should know the various effects of these drugs before indicating surgery or assisting a rheumatic patient postoperatively. This information could prevent possible complications that could affect a wide range of patients.

Risk factors for perioperative complications in inguinal hernia repair - a systematic review

The current literature suggests that perioperative complications occur in 8%–10% of all inguinal hernia repairs. However, the clinical relevance of these complications is currently unknown. In our review, based on 571,445 hernia repairs reported in 39 publications, we identified the following potential risk factors: patient age, ASA score, diabetes, smoking, mode of admission (emergency vs. elective surgery), surgery in low resource settings, type of anesthesia, and (in men) bilateral and sliding hernias. The most commonly reported complications are bleeding (0.9%), wound infection (0.5%), and pulmonary and cardiovascular complications (0.2%). In 3.9% of the included publications, a reliable grading of the reported complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification was possible. Using this classification retrospectively, we could show that, in patients with complications, these are clinically relevant for about 22% of these patients (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa). About 78% of all patients suffered from complications needing only minor (meaning mostly medical) intervention (Clavien-Dindo grade <III). Especially with regard to the low incidence of complications in inguinal hernia repair, future studies should use the Clavien-Dindo classification to achieve better comparability between studies, thus enabling better correlation with potential risk factors.