The Use of Carbon Dioxide Laser in Selected Surgical Cases in Patients on Anticoagulant Therapy

Abstract

Postoperative bleeding is encountered with much greater frequency in patients with congenital coagulation defects and in patients on warfarin therapy. Anticoagulation management before and after elective surgery is well documented. Cessation of anticoagulation therapy is required before elective surgery, except in the most minor dermatological surgical procedures such as Mohs surgery or simple excisions. This may pose significant economic consequences, especially when hospital admission for several days and substitution of heparin for warfarin under close monitoring is required. Use of a carbon dioxide laser, which considerably reduces intraoperative bleeding and postoperative oozing, is proposed as an alternative approach to selected surgical procedures.