Bleeding Risks in Urologic Surgery: A Prospective Analysis of Anticoagulant and Antiaggregant Use in Transurethral...

The use of anticoagulant (AC) and antiaggregant (AG) medications is increasingly common in elderly patients undergoing urologic surgeries. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the influence of AC/AG therapy on bleeding-related complications following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and open prostatectomy (OP).

Patients who underwent TURP, TURBT or OP between March 2022 and January 2023 were included in this study. Patients were stratified according to AC/AG usage. Perioperative management details, including low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) bridging, were recorded. We evaluated parameters including duration of irrigation, length of stay, episodes of clot retention, transfusion rate and re-admission rate due to haematuria.

Among TURP patients, those using AC/AG therapy had significantly higher rates of transfusion (2.27% vs 0%, p = 0.038), postoperative clot retention (7.57% vs 0.53%, p = 0.008), re-catheterisation (9.09% vs 3.72%, p = 0.046) and re-admission due to haematuria (11.36% vs 3.72%, p = 0.008) compared with those not receiving AC/AG therapy. In the TURBT group, AC/AG use was associated with an elevated rate of rehospitalisation (p = 0.026). OP patients on AC/AG therapy experienced increased transfusion rates (p = 0.030), early postoperative clot retention (p = 0.034) and re-operations (p = 0.016). LMWH bridging was associated with further increases in irrigation volume, early clot retention and rehospitalisation, particularly in TURBT and OP patients.

AC/AG therapy significantly influences bleeding outcomes after TURP, TURBT and OP. LMWH bridging may further exacerbate these risks. This study emphasises the need for caution regarding bleeding-related complications in patients receiving AC/AG therapy.