Key result
Warfarin therapy, but not aspirin, was independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative bleeding following skin cancer surgery (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4-6.3; P=0.006).
Why the study?
Does the continuation of warfarin or aspirin therapy increase the risk of postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing skin cancer surgery?
Population
2,394 patients undergoing excision of 5,950 skin lesions for skin cancer
Comparison
Continuation of warfarin or aspirin therapy vs Patients not taking warfarin or aspirin
Design
Cohort
Authors
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May warrant bleeding-risk counseling for warfarin users before skin cancer surgery; leaves open optimal perioperative strategies pending randomized trials.
Cohort (n=2,394)
Does the continuation of warfarin or aspirin therapy increase the risk of postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing skin cancer surgery?
Odds Ratio: 2.9 (95% CI 1.4–6.3)
p-value: p=0.006
In skin cancer surgery, continuing warfarin increases the risk of postoperative bleeding, whereas continuing aspirin does not, supporting the continuation of aspirin and careful INR monitoring for warfarin.
Dixon et al. (2007) conducted a cohort in skin cancer surgery (n=2,394). Warfarin therapy vs. No warfarin therapy was evaluated on postoperative bleeding (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4-6.3, p=0.006). Warfarin therapy, but not aspirin, was independently associated with an increased risk of postoperative bleeding following skin cancer surgery (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.4-6.3; P=0.006).
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