Hand and wrist surgery on anticoagulants and antiplatelets: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Approximately 2% of the population are anticoagulated and over 50% of over 65-year-olds are prescribed antiplatelet agents. Several systematic reviews have shown the safety of interrupting anticoagulation and antiplatelets for non-emergency surgery, although such reviews excluded upper limb procedures and represents the rationale for this review. Methods: The literature was systematically searched for studies concerning the outcomes of adult hand or wrist surgery on patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents in direct comparison to controls (no anticoagulation or antiplatelet agents, or interruption of either). The primary outcome was reoperation for any complica..