Safety of not withholding clopidogrel therapy during the immediate several days pre- and post-trans-urethral resection of prostate (TURP): a retrospective cohort study

Background and aim

Benign prostatic hypertrophy or hyperplasia (BPH) is a frequent urological complain particularly in old-aged individuals. Those patients usually have other risk factors (such as ischemic cardiovascular diseases) for which they might be treated with anti-thrombotic agents chronically. These medicines may induce blood thinning and raise the incidence of hemorrhage. Thus, if those patients needed operative treatment for BPH, they may be at high risk of hemorrhage or its related adverse effects with the usage of anti-thrombotic drugs during the peri-operative time. On the other hand, dis-continuation of these agents can lead to ischemic events in susceptible individuals.

Therefore, this research aims to assess the safety of the continuation of using anti-thrombotic agents throughout the peri-operative duration in patients with prostate surgery in form of Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) only for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH).

Methods

Patients’ notes were reviewed retrospectively. The entire participants were categorized into two categories. First category was on clopidogrel therapy (CTC) for prolong time and the usage of these agents was carried on throughout the peri-operative period. The second category was not on clopidogrel therapy at all (NCTC). Both of these categories had Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). A comparison had been conducted between the two categories with regards to: (i) the amount of blood lost intra-operatively (ii) the duration of operation (iii) hematocrit concentration per-operatively (iv) transfused packed red blood cells (PRBC) if needed (v) clearance of hematuria postoperatively (vi) secondary hemorrhage and clot retention after discharge. Pearson Chi-square test, Independent sample t test and test for numeric variables were used as appropriate.

Results

The study identified 329 patients. One hundred and sixty five participants in the CTC (clopidogrel therapy category) and 164 in the NCTC (non-clopidogrel therapy category). It had been revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the CTC and NCTC regarding: (i) the amount of blood lost intra-operatively (ii) the duration of operation (iii) hematocrit concentration per-operatively (iv) transfused packed red blood cells (packed RBC) if needed (v) clearance of hematuria postoperatively (vi) secondary hemorrhage and clot retention after discharge (P?>?0.65).

Conclusion

The continuation of usage of anti-thrombotic therapy (clopidogrel) during peri-operative period in patients with TURP for BPH is a safe practice. It is not associated with high probability of hemorrhage or PRBC transfusion or other adverse effects.