Bleeding Risk in Women on Anticoagulants While Undergoing Minor Gynecologic Procedures [ID 2683602]

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine the bleeding risk in women undergoing minor gynecologic procedures while concurrently taking various anticoagulants. METHODS: Patient charts from January 2008 to August 2013 were reviewed to identify patients who underwent minor procedures while taking anticoagulants. Bleeding complications were graded as none, mild, moderate, or severe. No-bleeding diagnoses were defined as a hemostatic biopsy site. Mild bleeding was classified as occasional spotting, requiring pressure for less than 5 minutes. Moderate bleeding required the use of suture for hemostasis. Severe bleeding complications required transfer to a tertiary center or blood transfusion. RESULTS: We reviewed 7,453 medical records yielding 269 minor procedures during which patients were concurrently taking anticoagulants. The mean age was 65 years (range, 30–96 years), with 148 African Americans and 121 Caucasian patients. Bleeding complications occurred in 14 patients: 13 mild and 1 moderate. Bleeding complications were not affected by age ( P =.5576) or race ( P =.1359) but were related to procedure type ( P <.0001). Specifically, the loop electrosurgical excision procedure was the only procedure to result in a statistically significant mild complication rate ( P =.0353). There was no association between the type of anticoagulant used ( P =.6294) or medical diagnosis for anticoagulation ( P =.7589) and bleeding risk. CONCLUSION: Minor gynecologic surgical procedures can safely be undertaken on women who are concurrently taking antiplatelet/anticoagulant medications.