Stopping apixaban before a bladder tumour removal

[Karendeena]

Hi all, I have afib but this question is for my brother who is really anxious about an upcoming procedure to remove a bladder tumour (Friday 9th Feb).He has had an awful 12 months with 4 mini strokes (caused by undiagnosed afib), early stage Parkinson's and now a bladder tumour.

He has severe health anxiety and is petrified he will have another stroke as he has been told to stop taking his apixaban 3 days before the procedure.

I know that no one can change this or give medical advice but has anyone ever had to do this and feared the worst?

[cassie46]

Hi there - I had a cancer tumour removed from my bladder in 2022 and had to stop my anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban) 3 days before, you do for most operations. Four months ealier I was admitted to A& E and found to have infected appendix. They wanted to operate immediately but would not do so because I was on anticogulant so I had blood test every day until it was clear of my system it took 4 days before clear, then they operated. They found the bladder cancer when I had a CT scan regarding the appendix.

It is a worry having to stop anticoagulants but there is not much you can do about it. I am in permanent AF, all went well. Try not to worry, I know it is hard to do so.

Cassie

[Desanthony]

This is standard practice. Usually when in hospital they give something else for anticoagulation when necessary.

[Bagrat]

I can understand his concern. I am the universal worrier but if you think of those few days without anticoagulation as a percentage of the whole year it's only a tiny amount and this is life saving surgery.

[mav7]

It is a concern not only when to stop but also how soon to restart to prevent complications from the surgery.

However, it is very important he have the tumor removed. Insure the surgeon and his cardiologist coordinate on his case. Best to You !

[Dralex]

I was diagnosed with paroxysmal AF several years ago. In the past 15 months bladder tumours were discovered which required treatment and further biopsies, as necessary. Surgery under GA was carried out on four occasions, and each time my anticoagulant (warfarin) was suspended for up to 10 days beforehand. Fortunately I never suffered any adverse consequences at all. I was told that if they considered there was any risk, I would receive injections (clexane) which would immediately restore my anticoagulant protection.

[Auriculaire]

I came off Apixaban for 3 days for my last hip op. No problems but maybe it wasn't long enough as I had to have a blood transfusion afterwards - perhaps I bled too much .

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

I have had 3 operations since my stroke in 2019 September and I've always been given 2 anaesthetists in the room and 2 doctors.

3 clear 24-hr stop PRADAXA 110mg usually x twice day.

1 I started the PRADAXA 3 days after, 2nd started 2 days after and last surgeon said one day after but anaesthetist said 2 days after.

The worse thing is to worry. Have faith in your surgeon and anaesthetist.

You need this operation done. Everyone whether on an anti-agulant or not has a risk of clots but you will be kept warm, sometimes they give you a moving bed and take a walk after operation as soon as you are able. I was told to cough and clear oesophagus/chest after.

Get moving.

I ask for a special anaesthetic so that I am not sick post-op.

So I'm hungry when I come too.

Remember even though your med is stopped remnants will still be in your blood stream.

cheri JOY. 75. (NZ)