Perioperative use of warfarin and aspirin in cataract surgery by Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery members: survey

Abstract

Purpose: To survey the members of the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (CSCRS) and identify their practices regarding the perioperative use of warfarin and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) in cataract surgery.

Setting: Private practice, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Methods: Members of the CSCRS were faxed a questionnaire that examined their perioperative management of patients being treated with warfarin and aspirin.

Results: Of the 110 eligible participants, 82 returned a completed questionnaire, representing a response rate of 74.5%. Warfarin or aspirin was routinely stopped prior to cataract surgery by 25.6% of the respondents. The majority of surgeons who discontinued these medications reported doing so 3 to 7 days prior to surgery and resumed their use 1 to 2 days postoperatively. Topical anesthesia and clear corneal incisions were preferred by the higher volume surgeons. These surgeons were also less likely to discontinue either warfarin or aspirin preoperatively.

Conclusions: The majority of the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery members do not stop either warfarin or aspirin for cataract surgery during the perioperative period.