Perioperative management of and recommendations for antithrombotic medications in dermatological surgery

A national clinician survey on the British Society for Dermatological Surgery guidelines on antithrombotic agent use in skin surgery

Antithrombotic medication is taken by 14-22% patients undergoing skin surgery, with more patients now taking direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). The latest evidence suggests that the risk of stopping DOACs perioperatively is low in skin surgery, particularly for primary closures, but remains unclear for more complex procedures. The 2016 British Society for Dermatological Surgery (BSDS) guidelines suggest that clinicians could consider stopping DOACs in patients for 24-48 h, based on individual bleeding risk. We surveyed BSDS members to better understand clinical practice and guideline adherence with a view to updating the guidance. The results demonstrated that there is consistency among clinicians in the management of patients on more established antithrombotic agents, such as aspirin, clopidogrel and warfarin. However, there is a higher perceived risk of significant haematomas following higher-risk procedures such as larger flaps or grafts with DOACs vs. other antithrombotics postoperatively. Stopping DOACs perioperatively for 24-48 h for higher-risk procedures can be cautiously considered following an individual risk assessment and informed discussion with the patient.

Influence of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant medication management on bleeding events in dermatosurgery-A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Perioperative management of antiplatelet and anticoagulant (AP/AC) therapy is a matter of balancing the risks of bleeding and thromboembolic events. Reliable data for dermatosurgery are still lacking, especially for direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC).

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to prospectively evaluate the influence of AP/AC-medication on bleeding risk in dermatosurgery with focus on exact intervals between DOAC intake and procedure performed on post-operative bleeding.

METHODS

Patients with or without AP/AC-therapy were included in the study without randomization. Exact times of DOAC-intake, procedure performed and post-operative bleeding were documented. Data collection was prospectively and standardized done by one person.

RESULTS

We evaluated 1852 procedures in 675 patients. Post-operative bleeding occurred after 15.93% (n = 295) of all procedures, but only a few of them were severe (1.57%, n = 29). Compared to patients without AP/AC-medication, severe post-operative bleeding occurred significantly more often under dual antiplatelet therapy (11.76%, n = 2; p = 0.0166) and bridging of either vitamin K antagonist (9.09%, n = 2; p = 0.0270) or DOAC (15.38%, n = 2; p = 0.0099). There was no significant difference in the frequency of severe bleeding regarding to the preoperative DOAC-free period.

CONCLUSIONS

Although AP/AC-therapy is associated with a significant higher rate of post-operative bleeding, no life-threatening bleeding was recorded. Long preoperative pausing or bridging of DOAC does not lead to significantly less severe bleeding events.

Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy: An American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND

The American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline on the Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy addresses 43 Patients-Interventions-Comparators-Outcomes (PICO) questions related to the perioperative management of patients who are receiving long-term oral anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy and require an elective surgery/procedure. This guideline is separated into four broad categories, encompassing the management of patients who are receiving: (1) a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), mainly warfarin; (2) if receiving a VKA, the use of perioperative heparin bridging, typically with a low-molecular-weight heparin; (3) a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC); and (4) an antiplatelet drug.

METHODS

Strong or conditional practice recommendations are generated based on high, moderate, low, and very low certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology for clinical practice guidelines.

RESULTS

A multidisciplinary panel generated 44 guideline recommendations for the perioperative management of VKAs, heparin bridging, DOACs, and antiplatelet drugs, of which two are strong recommendations: (1) against the use of heparin bridging in patients with atrial fibrillation; and (2) continuation of VKA therapy in patients having a pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator implantation. There are separate recommendations on the perioperative management of patients who are undergoing minor procedures, comprising dental, dermatologic, ophthalmologic, pacemaker/internal cardiac defibrillator implantation, and GI (endoscopic) procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial new evidence has emerged since the 2012 iteration of these guidelines, especially to inform best practices for the perioperative management of patients who are receiving a VKA and may require heparin bridging, for the perioperative management of patients who are receiving a DOAC, and for patients who are receiving one or more antiplatelet drugs. Despite this new knowledge, uncertainty remains as to best practices for the majority of perioperative management questions.

Preventing complications in dermatologic surgery: Presurgical concerns

Cutaneous surgery has become critical to comprehensive dermatologic care, and dermatologists must therefore be equipped to manage the risks associated with surgical procedures. Complications may occur at any point along the continuum of care, and therefore assessing, managing, and preventing risk from beginning to end becomes essential. This review focuses on preventing surgical complications pre- and postoperatively as well as during the surgical procedure.

[Haemorrhagic complications following ibrutinib intake after dermatological surgery]

INTRODUCTION

Ibrutinib is a selective oral inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase. It is used in haematology to treat lymphoid B disorders. Haemorrhagic complications in dermatological surgery are occasionally associated with the use of anti-platelet and/or anticoagulant medication. Herein, we report a case of haemorrhage under ibrutinib following skin surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A 70-year-old male patient began treatment with ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia had 2 basal cell carcinomas of the face. The next day he had a persistent haemorrhage lasting more than 48h, with no effects on the final scarring result.

DISCUSSION

Ibrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor whose mechanism of action plays a role in platelet adhesion. It is known to cause haemorrhaging, either spontaneously or following invasive procedures, especially at the beginning of treatment. In the case of low-risk haemorrhagic procedures in which bleeding may be controlled by mechanical haemostasis, ibrutinib should be discontinued 3 days before and after surgery. In the event of recent initiation of ibrutinib and in the absence of urgent dermatological management, it is preferable to schedule any surgical procedures 3 months after the start of ibrutinib.

Update and Review of Bleeding Considerations in Dermatologic Surgery: Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets

BACKGROUND

Bleeding is an unavoidable risk of dermatologic surgery. The risk may be higher in patients taking agents that affect hemostasis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to provide an updated review of current anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy available in the market and their associated risk of bleeding complications in cutaneous surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review of PubMed and MEDLINE was performed to review the English-language medical literature.

RESULTS

Many anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies exist. Several studies recommend the continued use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications in the perioperative period. Combination regimens and novel oral anticoagulants may be associated with an increased risk of bleeding.

CONCLUSION

An updated understanding of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents is critical for the surgeon. Current evidence does not support the discontinuation of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in the perioperative period under most circumstances. However, relevant data on novel oral anticoagulant agents are still sparse, suggesting that a precautionary approach is warranted.

Complications in skin grafts when continuing antithrombotic therapy prior to cutaneous surgery requiring skin grafting: an observational study

Use of anticoagulants is common and practice regarding continuation or discontinuation of the medication peri-operatively for cutaneous surgery lacks evidence-based consensus. Therefore, we aimed to do a prospective observational study with patients who were referred to cutaneous surgery and needed full thickness or split skin grafting and using antitrombotic or non-antitrombotic therapies. Data on patients characteristics, diagnosis, location of surgery and surgery performed, antithrombotic medication and complications in skin grafts were collected. Skin grafts were traced on a transparent film and areas of unhealed skin graft were marked. All patients were routinely followed-up on days 5-7 postoperative. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test or Mann-Whitney U-test were used to compare patients taking antitrombotic medication with patients receiving no antitrombotic therapy. In addition, associations were calculated for treatment with the different antithrombotic therapies. No severe bleeding requiring blood transfusion or re-operation was observed in this study. The results showed no statistically significant difference between patients who continued treatment with antithrombotic therapy compared with patients having no antithrombotic treatment regarding sub graft hematomas or graft take. Continuing antithrombotic monotheraphy with acetylsalicylic, clopidogrel, warfarin or fish oil in relations to cutaneous surgery do not seem to increase risk of haematoma or graft lost.

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.

Management of two major postoperative bleeding complications after mandible reconstruction with fibula free flap in a patient under chronic warfarin treatment

We present a case of two separated life-threatening postoperative bleeding complications after mandible cancer resection and microsurgical fibula flap in a patient under permanent warfarin treatment. We used fresh frozen plasma, prothrombin complex concentrate to control bleedings. We consider to maintain similar patients in heparin/enoxaparin bridging for 1–2 weeks.

[Dermatosurgery in the age of novel oral anticoagulants/direct oral anticoagulants]

Current guidelines generally recommend continuation of blood thinning drugs in dermatologic surgery and the previously used "bridging" with subcutaneous or intravenous heparin is obsolete. While the guidelines are increasingly implemented in daily practice, there is still uncertainty concerning the use of the novel direct oral anticoagulants (NOAC = DOAC). In this review, we analyze current developments and formulate concise recommendations for continuation during skin surgery under consideration of individual risk.

A Clinical Review of Common Medications Used in Emergency Dermatological Situations

BACKGROUND

Medical emergencies can occur in any environment, including dermatologic and procedural surgical settings. There are many options available to dermatologic surgeons, which they should consider having easily accessible in the office in case an emergency arises.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the current understanding about major medications that should be on-hand during dermatological surgeries. To review their mechanism of action, examine their general use, and dermatological use during surgical emergencies.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A comprehensive review using PubMed was performed, searching for studies using these various medications in relation to cutaneous surgeries.

RESULTS

Distinct items such as hyaluronidase, nitroglycerin paste, aspirin, injectable epinephrine, and defibrillators are potential options to address various emergencies and should be readily accessible to dermatologic surgeons.

CONCLUSION

Dermatologic surgeons' knowledge of key medications and options to have in the office allow for a proper response in the event an emergency arises.

Prise en charge chirurgicale du carcinome basocellulaire

The incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is increasing as the population is aging and doubles every ten years. Surgery is the first-line treatment of BCC. Dermatological surgery is an oncological skin surgery whose first objective is to obtain a complete resection of the tumor. Its aim is also to reconstruct the defect using the optimal repair technique for the best cosmetic and scarring outcome and without functional impairment. The dermatological approach with the "oncological reading" of cutaneous tumors constitutes the essential preliminary time to the diagnosis of BCC and the identification of its limits. The perfect knowledge of the security margins in accordance with the guidelines allows a complete excision and a reconstruction in one stage under local anesthesia in the majority of cases. The surgical treatment must use 3D histology techniques or micrographic surgery to manage difficult cases of aggressive BCC in high risk zone or recurrence. Management of very aggressive BCC or locally advanced BCC is discussed in a multidisciplinary consultation by assessing the benefit/risk ratio of the surgical treatment and by identifying the appropriate surgeon after documenting the tumor, its operability and patient's adherence to the surgical treatment. © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. Cet article fait partie du numéro supplément Prise en charge des carcinomes basocellulaires difficiles à traiter réalisé avec le soutien institutionnel de Sun Pharma.

Antithrombotic treatment and risk of complications after head and neck full thickness skin graft surgery

Head and neck skin cancer surgery using a full thickness skin graft is a common procedure. Evidence concerning the effects of perioperative antithrombotic treatment on complications is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether perioperative antithrombotic treatment is associated with risk of necrosis, bleeding or infection after full thickness skin graft surgery. Retrospective single-center cohort study with medical records review. Patients operated with a head and neck full thickness skin graft in 2010 and 2013-2015 had available data and were included. Any antithrombotic treatment was continued and all patients were routinely followed-up on days 7-10 after surgery. Data on demographics, concurrent disease, clinical characteristics, antithrombotic medications and postoperative necrosis, bleeding and infection were collected from electronic medical records. Associations with complications were examined using multivariate logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, reoperation, size of excision, site of surgery and concurrent disease. In total, 302 patients (53% women) were included. Antithrombotic treatment (n = 125 patients) was not associated with higher adjusted risk of total complications in multivariate analysis (OR 0.70; 95% CI: 0.34-1.46). In subgroup analyses, the total risk was not increased in patients on aspirin (OR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.39-1.48) or warfarin (OR 1.20; 95% CI: 0.47-3.10). In the warfarin subgroup (N = 26), there was a statistically non-significant trend towards increased risk of graft necrosis. This study supports that aspirin and warfarin should not be discontinued prior to head and neck full thickness skin graft surgery.

[Dermatologic surgery, hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease]

BACKGROUND

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) and hemophilia A and B are the most common types of hereditary coagulation-factor deficiencies. The frequency and type of complications of skin surgery in these patients are unknown. The increasing incidence of skin cancer prompted us to reflect upon this issue. While the incidence of skin cancer is increasing, the complications of skin surgery or ablative laser treatment remain unknown in this population.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of bleeding complications during and after skin surgery in patients with a hereditary coagulation-factor deficiency (hemophilia or VWD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study in patients with hemophilia A or B or VWD undergoing skin surgery or ablative laser treatment at the Dermatology Department of the Cochin Hospital in Paris, France.

RESULTS

Fourteen procedures were performed in 8 patients. Three episodes of bleeding occurred (n=3/14, 21.4%): one hematoma, one delayed bleed and one immediate bleed. None of these complications required surgical revision or resuscitation.

DISCUSSION

The rate of hemorrhagic complications was higher than in the general population. However, these complications can be considered non-serious and the risk-benefit ratio remains favorable. Multidisciplinary management and coordination with the reference hemophilia center are mandatory in this population to establish a coagulation-factor (CF) substitution protocol suited to the disease characteristics and the surgical procedure.

Full-thickness skin grafts for lower leg defects coverage: Interest of postoperative immobilization

INTRODUCTION

Full-thickness skin graft is an effective reconstruction method after excision of skin lesions on the lower limb that are not amenable to primary closure. The randomness of graft take is the major drawback of this procedure.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to evaluate the outcome of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG), used to repair lower leg defects after excision of skin lesions, after a 5-day immobilization period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent FTSG to cover defects below the knee between November 2011 and January 2016 were retrospective reviewed. Graft take was assessed and defined as good (>90% graft take), moderate (between 50% and 90% graft take), or poor (<50% graft take).

RESULTS

Seventy patients were included. Median age was 70 years (range, 18-92 years). The median area of the defect was 12cm². Graft take was good in 64 patients (91.4%), moderate in 3 patients (4.3%), and poor in 3 patients (4.3%) at Day 5. Complications included hematoma (11%), infection (14%) and venous thrombosis (3%).

CONCLUSION

Full-thickness skin graft is a reliable method to repair defects on the lower leg after removal of skin lesions. A 5-day immobilization period can improve the graft take. The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Evaluation of Australian dermatological postoperative patient information leaflets: Should we have a national checklist?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Patient information leaflets (PILs) are frequently provided to patients following dermatological surgery to provide advice and reassurance in the community. This evaluation reviewed the guidance specified in postoperative PILs across the 40 Australian dermatology teaching departments and clinics.

METHODS

All 40 departments and clinics were identified and asked to provide their postoperative information leaflets on sutured wound care (preferable) or excision biopsy (September-October 2015). For each PIL, 10 preselected parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 28/40 (70%) of units responded. From these units, 11/28 (39.3%) stated they do not use a postoperative PIL. Of the 17 units that provided PILs, the mode minimum dressing duration was 24 (6/17; 35.3%) and 48 h (6/17; 35.3%). For haemostatic advice, 12 PILs specified the time to press on a bleeding wound, with the most common advice being 10 (3/12; 25%) and 20 min (3/12; 25%). Of the 14 PILs that provided analgesic advice, the mode information suggested using paracetamol only and avoiding aspirin (4/14, 28.6%). Two or more signs of infection were stated in 11/17 (64.7%) PILs; 7/17 (41.2%) advised applying petroleum jelly to the wound, almost all PILs highlighted the contact for postoperative problems 16/17 (94.1%), and 5/17 (29.4%) leaflets mentioned scarring. Altogether 8/17 (47.1%) of PILs advised on the timeframe until active exercise could resume postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Guidance provided in Australian postoperative dermatological PILs is heterogeneous. A consensus checklist or template would be beneficial and ensure that advice provided to patients is more consistent; this could be adapted for local factors.

[How to optimize scarring in dermatologic surgery?]

Scarring is the response elicited by the skin surface to injury and loss of tissue material. Wound healing takes place through a complex natural repair system consisting of vascular, inflammatory and proliferative phenomena, followed by a remodelling and cell apoptosis phase. This incredible repair system is inevitable, but sometimes unpredictable due to individual differences based on multiple factors. The scar is the objective criterion of a skin surgery, both for the patient and the dermsurgeon. It is therefore crucial to establish with the patient during the preoperative consultation, the size and positioning of the expected scar, taking into account the oncologic, anatomic and surgical constraints. Scars can ideally blend into normal skin, but may also give rise to various abnormalities. We can manage and prevent these abnormalities by mastering initial inflammation, that may induce hyperpigmentation and hypertrophy. Early massage using cortocosteroid topic or anti-inflammatory moisturizers may be effective. Random individual scarring may be minimized by a dynamic personalized accompanying scarring.

Administration of Coagulation-Altering Therapy in the Patient Presenting for Oral Health and Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral health care providers are concerned with how to manage patients prescribed coagulation-altering therapy during the perioperative/periprocedural period for dental and oral surgery interventions. Management and recommendation can be based on medication pharmacology and the clinical relevance of coagulation factor levels/deficiencies. Caution should be used with concurrent use of medications that affect other components of the clotting mechanisms; prompt diagnosis and any necessary intervention to optimize outcome is warranted. However, evidence-based data on management of anticoagulation therapy during oral and maxillofacial surgery/interventions is lacking. Therefore, clinical understanding and judgment are needed along with appropriate guidelines matching patient- and intervention-specific recommendations.

Risk stratification, perioperative and periprocedural management of the patient receiving anticoagulant therapy

As a result of the aging US population and the subsequent increase in the prevalence of coronary disease and atrial fibrillation, therapeutic use of anticoagulants has increased. Perioperative and periprocedural management of anticoagulated patients has become routine for anesthesiologists, who frequently mediate communication between the prescribing physician and the surgeon and assess the risks of both thromboembolic complications and hemorrhage. Data from randomized clinical trials on perioperative management of antithrombotic therapy are lacking. Therefore, clinical judgment is typically needed regarding decisions to continue, discontinue, bridge, or resume anticoagulation and regarding the time points when these events should occur in the perioperative period. In this review, we will discuss the most commonly used anticoagulants used in outpatient settings and discuss their management in the perioperative period. Special considerations for regional anesthesia and interventional pain procedures will also be reviewed.

Skin surgery, an evidence-based update: meeting report

The Evidence Based Update on Skin Surgery was held in Nottingham in May 2015. The meeting featured presentations on new diagnostic techniques, trials in development, discussions of recently published trials, and a question and answer session with an expert panel. This report aims to summarize the presentations and discussions from the day.