Is Continued Perioperative Antithrombotic Therapy Safe When Performing Direct Microlaryngoscopy?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Laryngology
• Surgical Safety

Background:

• Antithrombotic medications are frequently used in patients undergoing laryngeal procedures.
• The impact of antithrombotic status on bleeding complications in direct microlaryngoscopy (DML) is not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between antithrombotic status and perioperative/postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing DML.
• To determine the safety of continuing antithrombotic medications during the perioperative period for DML.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of 581 patients undergoing DML between September 2012 and September 2017.
• Patients were stratified based on perioperative antithrombotic status.
• Assessment of perioperative and postoperative bleeding rates and other complications.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in perioperative bleeding was observed based on baseline antithrombotic status (P = .81).
• Patients on antithrombotic therapy showed a higher incidence of postoperative bleeding (P < .01).
• No significant difference in postoperative bleeding occurred between patients who continued or ceased their antithrombotic medication perioperatively (P = .45).

Conclusions:

• Perioperative continuation of antithrombotic medications appears safe for routine direct microlaryngoscopy.
• The study found no increase in severe bleeding events requiring intervention or readmission due to antithrombotic use.