Commonly asked questions in the management of perioperative stroke

Abstract

Certain surgical interventions increase stroke risk. Perioperative stroke significantly increases perioperative morbidity and mortality. Several interventions, such as perioperative continuation of antithrombotic therapy during selected surgical interventions, may decrease stroke risk without significantly increasing rates of adverse effects. Commonly asked questions in the management of perioperative stroke includes: What are the mechanisms of perioperative stroke? What are the stroke risk factors and perioperative risks? What is the perioperative stroke risk with discontinuation of antithrombotic medications? What risk modifications strategies can be implemented to decrease perioperative stroke risk? What is the role of neuroimaging in the management of perioperative stroke? What is the evidence for the management of perioperative acute ischemic stroke? This article provide an evidence-based review to these questions and comments on potential interventions in the management of these patients.

Keywords::

• cardiovascular surgery
• general surgery
• incidence risk
• perioperative stroke

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.