Why are anticoagulants often held before surgery?

Anticoagulants are often withheld before surgery primarily to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure. These medications work by inhibiting the clotting process, which is essential for controlling bleeding. If a patient is on anticoagulants during surgery, the likelihood of uncontrollable bleeding increases, which can lead to complications, a lengthened recovery time, or the need for blood transfusions.

Holding anticoagulants allows the patient's blood clotting ability to return to a safer level before the surgical intervention, ensuring a better and safer surgical outcome. This practice is particularly important in procedures that are expected to involve significant blood loss or for patients who may already be at increased risk for bleeding.

While enhancing circulation, promoting healing, and preventing blood clots are important aspects of patient care, they are not the primary reason for withholding anticoagulants prior to surgery. Instead, the main focus is to ensure that bleeding risks are adequately managed to maintain patient safety during the surgical procedure.