[Perioperative anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment in general thoracic surgery]

The perioperative use of anticoagulants in general thoracic surgery can be considered to be a "two-edged sword": the goal to minimise the risk of a thromboembolic episode is contrary to the ongoing effort of the surgeon to minimise the risk of intra- and postoperative blood loss. Dispositional factors such as excessive tobacco use are common for thoracic surgery patients and often lead to cardiovascular comorbidity which necessitates the use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. For deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis and for the indication and use of vitamin K antagonists or antiplatelet drugs it is proven in the literature that the risk profile of the patient and his/her classification in the appropriate risk group are of major importance. Through the individual risk profile of the patient it is possible to plan the appropriate perioperative anticoagulant therapy which will safely assist the surgeon and his/her patient during the peri- and postoperative phase on the knife-edge between blood loss and eminent thromboembolism. Unfortunately there are not enough existing data and published literature for evidence-based guidelines referring to the correct perioperative management for the new oral anticoagulants. Management algorithms are being recommended according to the multiple aspects of anticoagulant-treatment.