Risk-adjusted perioperative bridging anticoagulation reduces bleeding complications without increasing thromboembolic events in general and visceral surgery.

Background: Perioperative bridging of oral anticoagulation increases the risk of bleeding complications after elective general and visceral surgery. The aim of this study was to explore, whether an individual risk-adjusted bridging regimen can reduce bleeding events, while still protecting against thromboembolic events.

Methods: We performed a quality improvement study comparing bridging parameters and postoperative outcomes before (period 1) and after implementation (period 2) of a new risk-adjusted bridging regimen.