Mukul Singh, Smriti Singh, Rahul Singh, Anchal Chauhan
BACKGROUND
The aim and objective of the study is to assess the effect of continuing antiplatelet therapy during hand surgery on bleeding and fundamental outcome.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between January 2012 to January 2018, 336 patients underwent hand surgery for removal of ganglion under intravenous local anaesthesia. They were divided into three groups: group 1 was made of 61 patients on aspirin 75 mg/d as monotherapy, in group 2 there were 63 patients on aspirin (75 mg/d) and clopidogrel (75 mg/d) as dual antiplatelet therapy, in both group antiplatelet drug never stopped. Group 3 acted as a control, with 212 patients who did not receive any antiplatelet drug. The incidence of clinically significant pre or post-operative complications was recorded. Patients were reviewed at 7 and 14 days after surgery.
RESULTS
There were no significant difference in the incidence of complications in monotherapy antiplatelet group and control group. Hematoma was observed in six patients; four patients from group 2 and one patient from each group 1 & 3. Wound dehiscence was observed in seven patients; one patient from each group 1 & 3; five patients from group 2; Bleeding were observed in four patients from group 2 only. Infections were observed in four patients: one patient from group 1 & 3 each; two patients from group 3.
CONCLUSION
Our study demonstrates that continuation of aspirin did not increase the risk of complications. It is unnecessary to stop aspirin before hand and wrist surgery with good surgical techniques. However, complications were increased in dual antiplatelet therapy group.
