Background: The increasing use of anticoagulant therapy and anti-platelet a
gents in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular, cerebrovas
cular and venous thromboembolic disease has increased the need for guidelin
es for managing these agents prior to gastrointestinal endoscopy, particula
rly if therapeutic manoeuvres are required. The continuation of anticoagula
nt therapy increases the risk of haemorrhagic complications of gastrointest
inal endoscopy. Temporary Suspension of anticoagulant therapy exposes the p
atient to the risk of thromboembolism associated with the underlying condit
ion requiring anticoagulant treatment.
Conclusions: This article reviews the literature and proposes guidelines fo
r the management of patients taking anticoagulant and anti-platelet agents
who require gastrointestinal endoscopy.