AANA journal course. Update for nurse anesthetists. 2. Anticoagulation and spinal and epidural anesthesia.

An increasing number of surgical patients preoperatively are taking anticoagulant medications. These patients are at an increased risk for development of epidural hematoma with spinal or epidural anesthesia. It is the responsibility of the anesthesia provider to understand and anticipate this risk and to alter the anesthetic plan accordingly. The purpose of this AANA Journal course is to update anesthesia providers regarding the common anticoagulants used for surgical patients, the risks associated with epidural and spinal anesthesia in conjunction with anticoagulation, and recommendations for the use of epidural and spinal anesthesia in anticoagulated patients. Antiplatelet drugs, oral anticoagulants, heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, other new anticoagulants, and herbal medications are reviewed. When spinal or epidural anesthesia is considered for a patient who has been taking anticoagulant medications, the risk of epidural hematoma vs the benefits of regional anesthesia must be weighed carefully. Appropriate management of the patient extends well into the postoperative period and should include anesthesia providers, attending physicians, and nurses.