Perioperative Management of Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Therapy for Cutaneous Surgery: Different Approaches Among Dermatologic & Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Background: Despite increasing cross-collaboration between providers who perform cutaneous surgery, a disparity still exists in the current practices regarding perioperative management. This could lead to treatment delays and increased morbidity, such as bleeding, infection, and discomfort of patients. Objective: To characterize the perioperative management practices of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy of providers who specialize in performing cutaneous surgeries Methods: This study surveyed current perioperative management practices of dermatologic surgeons and plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Results: 115 dermatologic surgeons and 62 plastic and reconstructive surgeons responded to the survey (response rate: 6.4%, 11.31%, respectively). For all therapeutic agents, dermatologic surgeons were significantly more likely than their plastic and reconstructive surgery colleagues to continue all anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents perioperatively for cutaneous surgery (vitamin K antagonists, antiplatelets, LMWH, direct Xa inhibitors, direct thrombin inhibitors, NSAIDS: p