The risk of adverse cardiac and bleeding events following noncardiac surgery relative to antiplatelet therapy in patients with prior percutaneous coronary intervention.

Noncardiac surgery (NCS) may be required within the first year after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in approximately 4% of patients and is the second most common reason for premature discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy (APT),which may, in turn, increase the risk of perioperative ischemic events, particularly stent thrombosis. Its continuation may increase the risk of perioperative bleeding. We review current information on the incidence of these events, particularly related to APT, describe potentially useful strategies to minimize the risks of adverse outcomes, and provide recommendations on APT use.