Table 1.

Suggested preoperative management of patients taking NOACs

DRUG (DOSE REGIMEN)RENAL FUNCTIONMINOR SURGERY OR PROCEDURE (LOW BLEEDING RISK)MAJOR SURGERY OR PROCEDURE OR SPINAL ANESTHESIA (HIGH BLEEDING RISK)
Dabigatran (twice daily)
  • Half-life = 14 hNormal renal function or mild impairment (eGFR > 50 mL/min)Last dose: 2 d before surgery (skip 2 doses)Last dose: 3 d before surgery (skip 4 doses)
  • Half-life = 15–18 hModerate renal impairment (eGFR 30–50 mL/min)Last dose: 3 d before surgery (skip 4 doses)Last dose: 4–5 d before surgery (skip 6–8 doses)
Rivaroxaban (once daily)
  • Half-life = 9 hNormal renal function or mild to moderate impairment (eGFR > 30 mL/min)Last dose: 2 d before surgery (skip 1 dose)Last dose: 3 d before surgery (skip 2 doses)
Apixaban (twice daily)
  • Half-life = 9 hNormal renal function or mild to moderate impairment (eGFR > 30 mL/min)Last dose: 2 d before surgery (skip 1 dose)Last dose: 3 d before surgery (skip 4 doses)
  • eGFR—estimated glomerular filtration rate, NOAC—new oral anticoagulant.

  • Data from Douketis22 and Thrombosis Canada.24