Taking antithrombic therapy during emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis does not affect the postoperative outcomes: a propensity score matched study

Abstract Background Continuing antithrombic therapy (ATT) during surgery increases the risk of bleeding. However, it is difficult to discontinue the ATT in emergency surgery. Therefore, safety of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis (AC) is still unclear. We aimed to clarify the affect of ATT during emergency LC for AC. Methods Patients with AC were classified into ATT group (n = 30) and non-ATT group (n = 120). Postoperative outcomes were compared after propensity score matching (n = 22). Results Higher level of c-reactive protein level and shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was observed in ATT group than in non-ATT group after matching. No significant difference was found between other patient characteristics and perioperative results. Blood loss over 100 mL was observed in 8 patients. Multivariate analyze showed that APTT was an independent risk factor for bleeding over 100 mL (P = 0.039), while ACT and APT was not. Conclusions Taking ATT does not affect the blood loss or complications during emergency LC for AC. Controlling intraoperative bleeding is essential for a safe postoperative outcome.