[Anticoagulants in thoracic surgery]

Many patients undergoing thoracic surgery are treated with anticoagulants or platelet aggregation inhibitors because of different comorbidities. Additionally the risk of thromboembolic events is increased perioperatively; therefore, a perioperative thrombosis prophylaxis is necessary. On the other hand the risk of intraoperative or postoperative bleeding is increased because of the volume of the thoracic cavity and the partially negative intrathoracic pressure.

This article gives an overview of the perioperative management of anticoagulant therapy in thoracic surgery and presents an appropriate approach in cases of severe bleeding.

A literature search was carried out regarding currently used anticoagulants.

For the correct perioperative application of vitamin K antagonists, platelet aggregation inhibitors, new oral anticoagulants and drugs for thrombosis prophylaxis, it is of major importance to conceive an individual risk profile of thoracic surgery patients. However, there are not enough evidence-based data referring to the correct perioperative management for new oral anticoagulants.