Study: Colonoscopies Safe For Patients on Coumadin

Patients taking Coumadin (warfarin) for anticoagulation therapy may undergo colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer without fear of hemorrhage, according to researchers at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation in New Orleans.

However, hot biopsy and snare procedures during the screeening slightly increase the risk of hemorrhaging, according to the study published in Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.

Researchers analyzed 94 patients who underwent a colonoscopy who were taking Coumadin for anticoagulation therapy. Patients were advised to stop taking the drug three days before the colonoscopy procedure and to restart the drug the day afterwards.

Forty-seven patients underwent either a hot biopsy or snare polypectomy as part of their screening. One patient who required several biopsies had complications from hemorrhage requiring hospitalization and transfusion, according to the researchers.

"Patients taking warfarin for anticoagulation may safely undergo colonoscopy," said Dr. Stephania K. C. Timothy, co-author of the study. "The risk of hemorrhagic complications increases slightly with hot biopsy or snare procedures. Further studies are needed to refine guidelines for colonoscopy in the patient requiring anticoagulation."

Other Sources: Disease of the Colon and Rectum