Registro observacional prospectivo sobre la utilización del tratamiento antitrombótico durante el periodo perioperatorio y periprocedimiento en el «mundo real»: estudio REQXAA / Prospective observational registry of perioperative and periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy in “real world”: the REQXAA study

Introducción y objetivos: Existe escasa evidencia acerca del impacto de las actuales recomendaciones sobre la utilización del tratamiento antitrombótico durante el periodo perioperatorio y periprocedimiento en el «mundo real». El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la utilización de los fármacos antitrombóticos en una población de pacientes que van a someterse a una cirugía/procedimiento, así como evaluar la implicación que tiene su retirada o mantenimiento en la incidencia de eventos adversos trombóticos y/o hemorrágicos. Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo, multicéntrico y multiespecialidad de pacientes en tratamiento antitrombótico que precisen alguna intervención. El objetivo principal fue la incidencia de eventos trombóticos y hemorrágicos a 30 días en función del uso periintervención de los fármacos antitrombóticos. Resultados: Se incluyó a un total de 1.266 pacientes (el 63,5% varones; media de edad, 72,6 años). El 48,6% de ellos se encontraban anticoagulados (la mayoría por fibrilación auricular; CHA2DS2-VASC, 3,7) y el 53,3%, antiagregados, con mayor frecuencia por cardiopatía isquémica. El 66,7% tenía un riesgo isquémico bajo y el 51,9%, un riesgo hemorrágico de la intervención bajo. El tratamiento antitrombótico periprocedimiento según las recomendaciones actuales fue idóneo únicamente en el 57,3% de los casos. Los pacientes con un uso inadecuado de los fármacos antitrombóticos periprocedimiento presentaron una incidencia de eventos adversos trombóticos y hemorrágicos significativamente mayor. Conclusiones: A pesar de las recomendaciones actuales acerca de la utilización de fármacos antitrombóticos en el periodo perioperatorio/periprocedimiento, su implementación en el «mundo real» continúa siendo baja. Un uso inadecuado se asocia con un aumento de la incidencia de eventos adversos, tanto trombóticos como hemorrágicos.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: There is scarce real-world evidence on the management of perioperative antithrombotic treatment according to current recommendations. The aim of this study was to analyze the management of antithrombotic treatment in patients undergoing surgery or another invasive intervention and to assess the consequences of this management on the occurrence thrombotic or bleeding events. Methods: This prospective, observational, multicenter and multispecialty study analyzed patients receiving antithrombotic therapy who underwent surgery or another invasive intervention. The primary endpoint was defined as the incidence of adverse (thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic) events after 30 days of follow-up with respect to management of perioperative antithrombotic drugs. Results: We included 1266 patients (male: 63.5%; mean age 72.6 years). Nearly half of the patients (48.6%) were under chronic anticoagulation therapy (mainly for atrial fibrillation; CHA2DS2-VASC: 3.7), while 53.3% of the patients were under chronic antiplatelet therapy (mainly for coronary artery disease). Low ischemic and hemorrhagic risk was found in 66.7% and 51.9%, respectively. Antithrombotic therapy management was in line with current recommendations in only 57.3% of the patients. Inappropriate management of antithrombotic therapy was an independent risk factor for both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. Conclusions: The implementation of recommendations on the perioperative/periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy in real-world patients is poor. Inappropriate management of antithrombotic treatment is associated with an increase in both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events.(AU)

Prospective observational registry of perioperative and periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy in "real world": the REQXAA study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There is scarce real-world evidence on the management of perioperative antithrombotic treatment according to current recommendations. The aim of this study was to analyze the management of antithrombotic treatment in patients undergoing surgery or another invasive intervention and to assess the consequences of this management on the occurrence thrombotic or bleeding events. METHODS: This prospective, observational, multicenter and multispecialty study analyzed patients receiving antithrombotic therapy who underwent surgery or another invasive intervention. The primary endpoint was defined as the incidence of adverse (thrombotic and/or hemorrhagic) events after 30 days of follow-up with respect to management of perioperative antithrombotic drugs. RESULTS: We included 1266 patients (male: 63.5%; mean age 72.6 years). Nearly half of the patients (48.6%) were under chronic anticoagulation therapy (mainly for atrial fibrillation; CHA2DS2-VASC: 3.7), while 53.3% of the patients were under chronic antiplatelet therapy (mainly for coronary artery disease). Low ischemic and hemorrhagic risk was found in 66.7% and 51.9%, respectively. Antithrombotic therapy management was in line with current recommendations in only 57.3% of the patients. Inappropriate management of antithrombotic therapy was an independent risk factor for both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of recommendations on the perioperative/periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy in real-world patients is poor. Inappropriate management of antithrombotic treatment is associated with an increase in both thrombotic and hemorrhagic events.

Regional anaesthesia in patients on antithrombotic drugs: Joint ESAIC/ESRA guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding is a potential complication after neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks. The risk is increased in patients on antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. This joint guideline from the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care and the European Society of Regional Anaesthesia aims to provide an evidence-based set of recommendations and suggestions on how to reduce the risk of antithrombotic drug-induced haematoma formation related to the practice of regional anaesthesia and analgesia. DESIGN: A systematic literature search was performed, examining seven drug comparators and 10 types of clinical intervention with the outcome being peripheral and neuraxial haematoma. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used for assessing the methodological quality of the included studies and for formulating recommendations. A Delphi process was used to prepare a clinical practice guideline. RESULTS: Clinical studies were limited in number and quality and the certainty of evidence was assessed to be GRADE C throughout. Forty clinical practice statements were formulated. Using the Delphi-process, strong consensus (>90% agreement) was achieved in 57.5% of recommendations and consensus (75 to 90% agreement) in 42.5%. DISCUSSION: Specific time intervals should be observed concerning the adminstration of antithrombotic drugs both prior to, and after, neuraxial procedures or those peripheral nerve blocks with higher bleeding risk (deep, noncompressible). These time intervals vary according to the type and dose of anticoagulant drugs, renal function and whether a traumatic puncture has occured. Drug measurements may be used to guide certain time intervals, whilst specific reversal for vitamin K antagonists and dabigatran may also influence these. Ultrasound guidance, drug combinations and bleeding risk scores do not modify the time intervals. In peripheral nerve blocks with low bleeding risk (superficial, compressible), these time intervals do not apply. CONCLUSION: In patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications, practitioners must consider the bleeding risk both before and after nerve blockade and during insertion or removal of a catheter. Healthcare teams managing such patients must be aware of the risk and be competent in detecting and managing any possible haematomas.

Observational study on fluid therapy management in surgical adult patients.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative fluid therapy management is changing due to the incorporation of different fluids, surgical techniques, and minimally invasive monitoring systems. The objective of this study was to explore fluid therapy management during the perioperative period in our country. METHODS: We designed the Fluid Day study as a cross-sectional, multicentre, observational study. The study was performed in 131 Spanish hospitals in February 2019. We included adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia for either elective or non-elective surgery. Demographic variables were recorded, as well as the type and total volume of fluid administered during the perioperative period and the monitorization used. To perform the analysis, patients were categorized by risk group. RESULTS: We recruited 7291 patients, 6314 of which were included in the analysis; 1541 (24.4%) patients underwent high-risk surgery, 1497 (23. 7%) were high risk patients, and 554 (8.7%) were high-risk patients and underwent high-risk surgery; 98% patients received crystalloids (80% balanced solutions); intraoperative colloids were used in 466 patients (7.51%). The hourly intraoperative volume in mL/kg/h and the median [Q1; Q3] administered volume (mL/kg) were, respectively, 6.67 [3.83; 8.17] ml/Kg/h and 13.9 [9.52;5.20] ml/Kg in low-risk patients undergoing low- or intermediate-risk surgery, 6 [4.04; 9.08] ml/Kg/h and 15.7 [10.4;24.5] ml/Kg in high- risk patients undergoing low or intermediate-risk surgery, 6.41 [4.36; 9.33] ml/Kg/h and 20.2 [13.3;32.4] ml/Kg in low-risk patients undergoing high-risk surgery, and 5.46 [3.83; 8.17] ml/Kg/h and 22.7[14.1;40.9] ml/Kg in high-risk patients undergoing high- risk surgery . We used advanced fluid monitoring strategies in 5% of patients in the intraoperative period and in 10% in the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: The most widely used fluid was balanced crystalloids. Colloids were used in a small number of patients. Hourly surgery volume tended to be more restrictive in high-risk patients but confirms a high degree of variation in the perioperatively administered volume. Scarce monitorization was observed in fluid therapy management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials: NCT03630744.

Periprocedural Direct Oral Anticoagulant Management: The RA-ACOD Prospective, Multicenter Real-World Registry.

Introduction There is scarce real-world experience regarding direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) perioperative management. No study before has linked bridging therapy or DOAC-free time (pre-plus postoperative time without DOAC) with outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate real-world management and outcomes. Methods RA-ACOD is a prospective, observational, multicenter registry of adult patients on DOAC treatment requiring surgery. Primary outcomes were thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Follow-up was immediate postoperative (24-48 hours) and 30 days. Statistics were performed using a univariate and multivariate analysis. Data are presented as odds ratios (ORs [95% confidence interval]). Results From 26 Spanish hospitals, 901 patients were analyzed (53.5% major surgeries): 322 on apixaban, 304 on rivaroxaban, 267 on dabigatran, 8 on edoxaban. Fourteen (1.6%) patients suffered a thrombotic event, related to preoperative DOAC withdrawal (OR: 1.57 [1.03-2.4]) and DOAC-free time longer than 6 days (OR: 5.42 [1.18-26]). Minor bleeding events were described in 76 (8.4%) patients, with higher incidence for dabigatran (12.7%) versus other DOACs (6.6%). Major bleeding events occurred in 17 (1.9%) patients. Bridging therapy was used in 315 (35%) patients. It was associated with minor (OR: 2.57 [1.3-5.07]) and major (OR: 4.2 [1.4-12.3]) bleeding events, without decreasing thrombotic events. Conclusion This study offers real-world data on perioperative DOAC management and outcomes in a large prospective sample size to date with a high percentage of major surgery. Short-term preprocedural DOAC interruption depending on the drug, hemorrhagic risk, and renal function, without bridging therapy and a reduced DOAC-free time, seems the safest practice.

Manejo perioperatorio y periprocedimiento del tratamiento antitrombótico: documento de consenso de SEC, SEDAR, SEACV, SECTCV, AEC, SECPRE, SEPD, SEGO, SEHH, SETH, SEMERGEN, SEMFYC, SEMG, SEMICYUC, SEMI, SEMES, SEPAR, SENEC, SEO, SEPA, SERVEI, SECOT y AEU / Perioperative and periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy: consensus document of SEC, SEDAR, SEACV, SECTCV, AEC, SECPRE, SEPD, SEGO, SEHH, SETH, SEMERGEN, SEMFYC, SEMG, SEMICYUC, SEMI, SEMES, SEPAR, SENEC, SEO, SEPA, SERVEI, SECOT and AEU

En los últimos años, el número de pacientes anticoagulados y antiagregados está aumentando significativamente. Al ser un tratamiento crónico, es de esperar que a lo largo de su vida necesiten un procedimiento quirúrgico o intervencionista que pueda requerir la interrupción del fármaco antitrombótico. La decisión de retirar o mantener dicho tratamiento estará determinada, por un lado, por el riesgo trombótico y, por otro, por el hemorrágico. De la interacción entre estos 2 factores dependerá la actitud ante la anticoagulación y la antiagregación. El objetivo de este documento de consenso, coordinado desde el Grupo de Trabajo de Trombosis Cardiovascular de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y certificado por un amplio número de sociedades científicas que participan en el proceso asistencial del paciente durante el periodo perioperatorio o periprocedimiento, consiste en proponer una serie de recomendaciones prácticas y sencillas con el fin de homogeneizar la práctica clínica diaria

During the last few years, the number of patients receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy has increased worldwide. Since this is a chronic treatment, patients receiving it can be expected to need some kind of surgery or intervention during their lifetime that may require treatment discontinuation. The decision to withdraw antithrombotic therapy depends on the patient's thrombotic risk versus hemorrhagic risk. Assessment of both factors will show the precise management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in these scenarios. The aim of this consensus document, coordinated by the Cardiovascular Thrombosis Working Group of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, and endorsed by most of the Spanish scientific societies of clinical specialities that may play a role in the patient-health care process during the perioperative or periprocedural period, is to recommend some simple and practical guidelines with a view to homogenizing daily clinical practice

Perioperative and Periprocedural Management of Antithrombotic Therapy: Consensus Document of SEC, SEDAR, SEACV, SECTCV, AEC, SECPRE, SEPD, SEGO, SEHH, SETH, SEMERGEN, SEMFYC, SEMG, SEMICYUC, SEMI, SEMES, SEPAR, SENEC, SEO, SEPA, SERVEI, SECOT and AEU.

During the last few years, the number of patients receiving anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy has increased worldwide. Since this is a chronic treatment, patients receiving it can be expected to need some kind of surgery or intervention during their lifetime that may require treatment discontinuation. The decision to withdraw antithrombotic therapy depends on the patient's thrombotic risk versus hemorrhagic risk. Assessment of both factors will show the precise management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in these scenarios. The aim of this consensus document, coordinated by the Cardiovascular Thrombosis Working Group of the Spanish Society of Cardiology, and endorsed by most of the Spanish scientific societies of clinical specialities that may play a role in the patient-health care process during the perioperative or periprocedural period, is to recommend some simple and practical guidelines with a view to homogenizing daily clinical practice.

Recomendaciones de uso de los anticoagulantes orales directos en el período perioperatorio / Recommendations on use of direct oral anticoagulants in the perioperative period

Las características de los anticoagulantes orales de acción directa (ACOD), la ausencia de antídoto para revertir completamente sus efectos anticoagulantes, la falta de sistematización en la monitorización de sus efectos y la experiencia limitada de su empleo, hacen necesarias unas recomendaciones específicas para su uso en el periodo perioperatorio o ante situaciones de urgencia. En cirugía programada, en pacientes con función renal normal y riesgos hemorrágico/trombótico bajos, se recomienda suspender el ACOD 2 días antes de la cirugía; en situaciones de mayor riesgo hemorrágico/trombótico se propone como alternativa una terapia puente con una heparina de bajo peso molecular desde 5 días antes de la cirugía. Ante cirugía urgente no se recomienda la administración sistemática de hemostáticos de forma profiláctica. En caso de hemorragia aguda relacionada con la toma de un ACOD, se debe valorar la administración de concentrados de complejo protrombínico, plasma fresco o factor VIIa, implementando las medidas generales de control de la hemorragia (AU)

Because of the characteristics of direct oral anticoagulants (DOA), the lack of an antidote to completely reverse their anticoagulant effects, the absence of standardization in monitoring of their effects, and limited experience of their use, specific recommendations for their management in the perioperative period or in emergencies are required. In elective surgery, in patients with normal renal function and low hemorrhagic/ thrombotic risk, DOA should be withdrawn 2 days before the intervention; when the hemorrhagic/ thrombotic risk is higher, bridge therapy with a low molecular weight hepatin beginning 5 days before the intervention is proposed as an alternative. In emergency surgery, systematic administration of hemostatic drugs as prophylaxis is not recommended. In DOA-related acute hemorrhage, administration of prothrombin complex concentrate, fresh plasma or factor VIIa should be evaluated, and general measures to control bleeding should be implemented (AU)

[Recommendations on use of direct oral anticoagulants in the perioperative period]. / Recomendaciones de uso de los anticoagulantes orales directos en el período perioperatorio.

Because of the characteristics of direct oral anticoagulants (DOA), the lack of an antidote to completely reverse their anticoagulant effects, the absence of standardization in monitoring of their effects, and limited experience of their use, specific recommendations for their management in the perioperative period or in emergencies are required. In elective surgery, in patients with normal renal function and low hemorrhagic/ thrombotic risk, DOA should be withdrawn 2 days before the intervention; when the hemorrhagic/ thrombotic risk is higher, bridge therapy with a low molecular weight hepatin beginning 5 days before the intervention is proposed as an alternative. In emergency surgery, systematic administration of hemostatic drugs as prophylaxis is not recommended. In DOA-related acute hemorrhage, administration of prothrombin complex concentrate, fresh plasma or factor VIIa should be evaluated, and general measures to control bleeding should be implemented.

Prevention of the renarrowing of coronary arteries using drug-eluting stents in the perioperative period: an update.

The management of patients scheduled for surgery with a coronary stent, and receiving 1 or more antiplatelet drugs, has many controversies. The premature discontinuation of antiplatelet drugs substantially increases the risk of stent thrombosis (ST), myocardial infarction, and cardiac death, and surgery under an altered platelet function could also lead to an increased risk of bleeding in the perioperative period. Because of the conflict in the recommendations, this article reviews the current antiplatelet protocols after positioning a coronary stent, the evidence of increased risk of ST associated with the withdrawal of antiplatelet drugs and increased bleeding risk associated with its maintenance, the different perioperative antiplatelet protocols when patients are scheduled for surgery or need an urgent operation, and the therapeutic options if excessive bleeding occurs.

[Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants: management of the anticoagulated surgical patient]. / Antiagregantes y anticoagulantes: manejo del paciente quirúrgico anticoagulado.

Among the drugs most widely consumed by patients are both antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine) and anticoagulants (acenocoumarol, warfarin, low molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux). The use of these drugs in the perioperative period is an essential concern in patient care due to the need to balance the risk of bleeding against thrombotic risk (arterial or venous), which is increased in surgical patients. The present review highlights three main aspects. Firstly, withdrawal of antiplatelet agents is recommended between 1 week and 10 days before surgery to minimize perioperative bleeding. However, this practice has been questioned because patients without the required antiplatelet coverage may be at greater risk of developing cardiac, cerebral or peripheral vascular complications. Therefore, the recommendation of systematic antiplatelet withdrawal for a specific period should be rejected. Currently, risks should be evaluated on an individual basis to minimize the time during which the patient remains without adequate antiplatelet protection. Secondly, thromboprophylaxis is required in most surgical patients due to the high prevalence of venous thromboembolic disease. This implies the use of anticoagulants and the practice of regional anesthesia has been questioned in these patients. However, with the safety recommendations established by the various scientific societies, this practice has been demonstrated to be safe. Finally, "bridge therapy" in patients anticoagulated with acenocoumarol should be performed on an individual basis rather than systematically without taking into account the thrombotic risks of each patient. The perioperative period involves high arterial and venous thrombotic risk and the optimal use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants should be a priority to minimize this risk without increasing hemorrhagic risk. Multidisciplinary consensus is essential on this matter.

New anticoagulants and regional anesthesia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in the perioperative period may conflict with regional anesthetic techniques in which maintaining hemostatic integrity is essential. Recently, new anticoagulants have been developed with more efficacy and a better safety profile. This article reviews the basis for the actual recommendations and the current status and management of these new drugs. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have outlined that the risk of epidural hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia may be higher than estimated. Therefore, it is imperative to follow the published recommendations. The use of new anticoagulant drugs may take into account the pharmacological profile of each one to safely perform regional anesthesia, mainly the time to reach peak plasma level and half-life. SUMMARY: When new anticoagulant drugs are used for thromboprophylaxis in orthopedic surgery, the performance of neuraxial anesthetic techniques should be based on their pharmacology. If a peripheral blockade is chosen, these recommendations should be followed when a block is performed in a noncompressible area.

Antiagregantes y anticoagulantes: manejo del paciente quirúrgico anticoagulado / Antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants: management of the anticoagulated surgical patient

Entre los grupos farmacológicos de mayor consumo por los pacientes se encuentran tanto los antiagregantes plaquetarios (aspirina, clopidogrel, ticlopidina) como los anticoagulantes (acenocumarol, warfarina, heparina de bajo peso molecular, fondaparinux). El manejo de los mismos en el período perioperatorio constituye uno de los aspectos esenciales en el cuidado de los pacientes debido a la necesidad de equilibrar adecuadamente el riesgo de sangrado frente al riesgo trombótico (arterial o venoso) que se incrementa en los pacientes quirúrgicos. En la presente revisión se destacan tres aspectos esenciales. En primer lugar, respecto a los antiagregantes plaquetarios, es habitual que se recomiende su retirada entre 1 semana y 10 días antes de la cirugía para minimizar el sangrado perioperatorio. Sin embargo, esta práctica ha sido puesta en entredicho porque un paciente sin la necesaria cobertura antiagregante puede tener mayor riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones cardíacas, cerebrales o vasculares periféricas. Por ello, la recomendación de retirar el fármaco durante un determinado tiempo de forma sistemática debe ser rechazada. Actualmente, se deben valorar de forma individual dichos riesgos para minimizar el tiempo en que el paciente está sin la debida protección antiagregante. En segundo lugar, la tromboprofilaxis es necesaria en la mayoría de pacientes quirúrgicos por la elevada prevalencia de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Ello implica el empleo de fármacos anticoagulantes, habiéndose cuestionado la práctica de la anestesia regional en estos casos. Sin embargo, con las recomendaciones de seguridad establecidas por las diferentes sociedades científicas, esta práctica se ha demostrado segura. Finalmente, la «terapia puente» de los pacientes anticoagulados con acenocumarol se debe realizar más de forma individualizada y no sistemáticamente sin tener en cuenta los riesgos trombóticos de cada paciente. El perioperatorio es un período de alto riesgo trombótico arterial y venoso, y el uso óptimo de los antiagregantes plaquetarios y de los anticoagulantes debe ser una prioridad para minimizar dicho riesgo sin incrementar el hemorrágico. El consenso multidisciplinario es esencial en esta cuestión( AU)

Among the drugs most widely consumed by patients are both antiplatelet agents (aspirin,clopidogrel, ticlopidine) and anticoagulants (acenocoumarol, warfarin, low molecular weight heparin, fondaparinux). The use of these drugs in the perioperative period is anessential concern in patient care due to the need to balance the risk of bleeding against thrombotic risk (arterial or venous), which is increased in surgical patients. The present review highlights three main aspects. Firstly, withdrawal of antiplatelet agents is recommended between 1 week and 10 days before surgery to minimize perioperative bleeding. However, this practice has been questioned because patients without the required antiplatelet coverage may be at greater risk of developing cardiac, cerebral or peripheral vascular complications. Therefore, the recommendation of systematic antiplatelet withdrawal for a specific period should be rejected. Currently, risks should be evaluated on an individual basis to minimize the time during which the patient remains without adequate antiplatelet protection. Secondly, thromboprophylaxis is required in most surgical patients due to the high prevalence of venous thromboembolic disease. This implies the use of anticoagulants and the practice of regional anesthesia has been questioned in these patients. However, with the safety recommendations established by the various scientific societies, this practice has been demonstrated to be safe. Finally, «bridge therapy» in patients anticoagulated with acenocoumarol should be performedon an individual basis rather than systematically without taking into account the thrombotic risks of each patient. The perioperative period involves high arterial and venous thrombotic risk and the optimal use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants should be a priority to minimize this risk without increasing hemorrhagic risk. Multidisciplinary consensus is essential on this matter (AU)

Perioperative management of antiplatelet agents in noncardiac surgery.

It is common that patients who are scheduled for surgery are treated with antiplatelet agents (APAs) due to their wide indications. The management of these APAs in the perioperative period (acetylsalicylic acid alone, a thienopyridine alone or, in most cases, a combination of them) has a dual perspective: the risk of bleeding when the patient is operated under the effect of the APA against the risk of thrombosis if it has been withdrawn. The main challenges for the anaesthesiologist and the surgeon include patients with a coronary stent (mainly, new drug-eluting coronary stents), those undergoing urgent surgery and those undergoing high bleeding risk surgery. We review current protocols and discuss the most recent proposals for the management of APAs in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Current recommendations include the maintenance of aspirin if possible throughout the perioperative period, in order to limit the risks of cardiological, vascular or neurological postoperative events, although this makes it necessary to assume a small risk for haemorrhagic complications in some patients. Nevertheless, there are many circumstances that are not clear yet and, in this situation, it is crucial that patients are treated with a multidisciplinary approach (anaesthesiologists, surgeons, cardiologists and haematologists).