Anticoagulant therapy, anti-platelet agents and gastrointestinal endoscopy

Background: The increasing use of anticoagulant therapy and anti-platelet agents in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and venous thromboembolic disease has increased the need for guidelines for managing these agents prior to gastrointestinal endoscopy, particularly if therapeutic manoeuvres are required. The continuation of anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of haemorrhagic complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Temporary Suspension of anticoagulant therapy exposes the patient to the risk of thromboembolism associated with the underlying condition requiring anticoagulant treatment. Conclusions: This article reviews the literature and proposes guidelines for the management of patients taking anticoagulant and anti-platelet agents who require gastrointestinal endoscopy.