The effect of perioperative aspirin therapy in peripheral vascular surgery: a decision analysis

Anesth Analg. 2001 Sep;93(3):573-80. doi: 10.1097/00000539-200109000-00009.

Abstract

Patients who undergo infrainguinal revascularization surgery are at increased risk for perioperative thrombotic complications. Aspirin decreases thrombotic events in the nonoperative setting; however, aspirin is often discontinued to avoid perioperative hemorrhagic complications. We used a decision analysis to determine whether aspirin should be discontinued before infrainguinal revascularization surgery. Two strategies were compared: aspirin cessation 2 wk before surgery and aspirin continuation throughout the perioperative period. Clinical events examined included myocardial infarction, thrombotic cerebrovascular accident, hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and incisional hemorrhagic complications. Event rates and effect of aspirin were obtained by using MEDLINE. The outcomes were perioperative mortality, life expectancy, and quality-adjusted life expectancy. According to the model, continued aspirin use decreased perioperative mortality rates from 2.78% to 2.05%. Continued aspirin use increased life expectancy from 14.83 to 14.89 yr and increased quality-adjusted life expectancy from 14.72 to 14.79 yr. Aspirin increased the number of hemorrhagic complications by 2.46%, primarily because of an increased incidence of non-life-threatening complications.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use*
  • Decision Support Techniques
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Peripheral Vascular Diseases / surgery
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures* / mortality

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Aspirin