Patients on Antithrombotics for Colonoscopy

Overview

The use of antithrombotics (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) is increasing with an aging global population.Management of antithrombotics in patients undergoing invasive procedures including gastrointestinal endoscopy remains a challenge. Management approach includes taking a precarious balance between the risk of thromboembolism after interruption of antithrombotics and risk of bleeding with the continuation of antithrombotics. Colonoscopy remains one of the commonest endoscopic procedures performed. The optimal management strategy of different antithrombotics during colonoscopy remains unclear.

The use of antithrombotics (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants) is increasing with an aging global population. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) GOLD database suggests that over 915 000 people in the UK have suffered a myocardial infarction and over 1.3 million are living with angina in 2013. Two percent of people in developed countries are on long-term anticoagulation and up to 10% in the elderly population. Management of antithrombotics in patients undergoing invasive procedures including gastrointestinal endoscopy remains a challenge. Management approach includes taking a precarious balance between the risk of thromboembolism after interruption of antithrombotics and risk of bleeding with the continuation of antithrombotics. The availability of new antithrombotic agents adds to the complexity of antithrombotic management during endoscopy. Warfarin has been the only oral anticoagulant available until the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Newer antiplatelet agents (prasugrel and ticagrelor, vorapaxar) are becoming more commonly used for the treatment of the acute coronary syndrome. There remain gaps in the management approach of patients receiving antithrombotics and requiring endoscopy. It is still uncertain of the actual bleeding risk associated with antithrombotic use during endoscopy. Colonoscopy remains one of the commonest endoscopic procedures performed. It is the gold standard for direct evaluation of the colon for patients with the suspected colonic disease. It is also used as a screening test for prevention of colorectal cancer by colonoscopic polypectomy of precancerous polyps.The optimal management strategy of different antithrombotics during colonoscopy remains unclear.