Preoperative Considerations

Risk Factors for Bleeding
  • Certain medications, significant alcohol use, severe hypertension
   
 
 Medications Comment
Aspirin
 
Discontinue (if used for primary prevention and not medically indicated) 10–14 days prior to surgery
NSAID
Varies, may discontinue 2–3 days prior to surgery
Warfarin
 
Varies, most do not discontinue
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Varies, most do not discontinue (can d/c 5 days before surgery)
Others: feverfew, garlic, gingko, ginger, ginseng, dong quai root, chondroitin, vitamin E, bilberry