Systematic review with meta‐analysis: the risk of gastrointestinal haemorrhage post‐polypectomy in patients receiving anti‐platelet, anti‐coagulant and/or thienopyridine medications

Background For patients undergoing colonoscopy with polypectomy, current guidelines recommend temporary cessation of blood-thinning medications. The data regarding periprocedural management of these medications are sparse. Aim To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the risk of post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB) in patients taking anti-platelet, anticoagulant and/or thienopyridine medications. Methods We searched Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Biosis and Proceedings First from 1970 to 2015. PPB was defined as overt haemorrhage or drop in haemoglobin of at least 2 g/dL. Results Of 1490 articles identified, we included 3 papers and 1 abstract with patients on aspirin and/or NSAIDs, 1 paper on warfarin, 2 abstracts on clopidogrel, and 2 papers on clopidogrel plus aspirin and/or NSAIDs. While the rate of immediate PPB on aspirin and/or NSAIDs was not increased (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.7-1.9, P = 0.7), the risk of delayed PPB was increased (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0-2.4, P = 0.0009, I-2 = 60%) but rendered non-significant with elimination of a small study. There was an elevated risk of delayed PPB on clopidogrel (OR = 9.7, 95% CI 3.1-30.8, P = 0.0, I-2 = 0). There was an increased risk of delayed PPB in patients on clopidogrel + aspirin and/or NSAIDs (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.3-8.8, P = 0.01, I-2 = 0). Based on a single study on warfarin, the PPB rate was elevated. There were no data regarding PPB and usage of the newer anti-coagulant agents. Conclusions Usage of aspirin or NSAIDs does not increase risk of post-polypectomy bleeding. Clopidogrel and warfarin should be discontinued in the periprocedural period to prevent the occurrence of post-polypectomy bleeding.