[Platelet inhibitors and anticoagulants: managing blood thinners in dermatosurgery]

Many patients requiring dermatologic surgery are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. The perioperative management of these drugs is not standardized and affected by fear of bleeding complications. Studies show only moderate increase in bleeding complications while taking these drugs. Our clinical experience shows no significant peri- or postoperative bleeding. As part of a risk assessment, thromboembolic complications outweigh any bleeding risk of surgery. Therefore, in the experience of the authors, blood thinning drugs should be continued before and during dermatosurgical procedures. General assessment of laboratory parameters concerning coagulation or platelet function is not necessary and can be restricted to selected subgroups of patients.