Non-cardiac surgery and antiplatelet therapy following coronary artery stenting.

Coronary artery stenting is increasingly used as a treatment for coronary artery disease. A period of antiplatelet therapy is mandatory following coronary stenting, in order to minimise the risk of stent thrombosis. About 5% of patients who undergo coronary stenting will require non-cardiac surgery within 12 months, and the management of antiplatelet therapy in this setting is complex, requiring a balance between the risks of both operative haemorrhage and stent thrombosis. The available evidence to guide decision-making in the management of antiplatelet therapy in this setting is reviewed.