Hemorrhagic complications of oculoplastic surgery. 2002

Philip L Custer, and Kathryn M Trinkaus
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA. custer@vision.wustl.edu

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence and risk factors of hemorrhagic complications associated with selected oculoplastic procedures. METHODS A prospective study was performed to document the severity of intraoperative hemorrhage and postoperative bruising in patients undergoing oculoplastic procedures. The use of anticoagulant or platelet-inhibiting medications, systemic medical conditions, patient age, patient sex, and type of procedure were examined to identify risk factors for hemorrhagic complications. RESULTS Troublesome intraoperative bleeding prolonged surgery in 9.2% of cases. Severe bleeding with the potential to affect surgical outcome was encountered in 0.4% of procedures. There was little correlation between severity of bleeding and degree of postoperative bruising. Male sex, a history of heart disease, or age >60 years imparted a slightly greater risk of intraoperative bleeding. Age >60 years, hypertension, or recent cessation of aspirin may increase the risk of postoperative bruising. A history of previous stroke increased the risk of postoperative bleeding. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of hemorrhagic complications among patients currently treated with antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents, those who had stopped these medications before surgery, and those who were not treated with these agents. No patient had permanent sequelae related to hemorrhage. Two patients had postoperative systemic complications possibly attributable to withholding anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications in preparation for surgery. CONCLUSIONS Although serious hemorrhagic complications may be associated with oculoplastic procedures, the incidence of these complications is low. The decision to withhold antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications before surgery should be individualized. Selected procedures can be safely performed without stopping these agents.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007223 Infant A child between 1 and 23 months of age. Infants
D007432 Intraoperative Period The period during a surgical operation. Intraoperative Periods,Period, Intraoperative,Periods, Intraoperative
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D011184 Postoperative Period The period following a surgical operation. Period, Postoperative,Periods, Postoperative,Postoperative Periods
D011446 Prospective Studies Observation of a population for a sufficient number of persons over a sufficient number of years to generate incidence or mortality rates subsequent to the selection of the study group. Prospective Study,Studies, Prospective,Study, Prospective
D002648 Child A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL. Children
D002675 Child, Preschool A child between the ages of 2 and 5. Children, Preschool,Preschool Child,Preschool Children
D005260 Female Females
D006470 Hemorrhage Bleeding or escape of blood from a vessel. Bleeding,Hemorrhages

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