Primary Results of Our Protocol for Standardization of Perioperative Antiplatelet Agent Management on the Incidence of Epidural Hematoma and Thrombotic Complications in Posterior Cervical Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to standardize perioperative interruption of antiplatelet agents in patients undergoing cervical spinal surgery and investigate the incidence of epidural hematoma and thrombotic complications.

METHODS

A total of 153 patients, consisting of 85 men and 68 women, were included in this study. Their mean age was 65.5 years. They were divided into two groups: Groups A and B. Group A (139 patients) did not receive preoperative antiplatelet agents, and Group B (14 patients) resumed antiplatelet agents from 7 or 14 days presurgery to 3 days postsurgery. Our analysis encompassed demographic data before surgery, postoperative magnetic resonance image-based assessment of radiological epidural hematoma (EH), and complications such as symptomatic hematoma, blood transfusion, stroke, and venous thromboembolism after surgery.

RESULTS

The frequency of medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, was significantly higher in Group B than in Group A. The CHADS2 scores, which serve as a clinical prediction rule for estimating stroke risk, were significantly higher in Group B than in Group A. In contrast, the intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in Group B than in Group A. There was no significant difference in radiologically severe EH, hemorrhage, and thrombotic complications between the two groups. Interestingly, none of the patients in Group B had hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our standardized perioperative management of antiplatelet agents did not affect the incidence of radiological EH, hemorrhage, and thrombotic complications in patients undergoing cervical spinal surgery.