Should aspirin be stopped before surgery, and when is it restarted?
Aspirin is not automatically stopped before every operation. The decision balances bleeding risk, why it was prescribed and clotting risk, especially with a coronary stent. The surgeon, anaesthetist and prescriber coordinate continuation, interruption and restart; do not choose a fixed interval yourself.
Details
The prescribing reason changes the decision
Tell the team about previous heart attack, stroke or coronary stenting, including procedure dates and other antiplatelet medicines. Stopping may increase clotting risk; continuation is often appropriate after coronary stenting when bleeding risk permits.
The operation matters too
Operations differ in bleeding likelihood and consequences, so some require a different approach. Instructions given to a relative for another operation may not apply to you. Do not substitute another blood thinner independently.
Ask for a written plan
The plan should state whether aspirin continues, or the final dose if interrupted, and who decides when it restarts after adequate bleeding control. If you have already stopped, promptly tell the team rather than compensating with extra doses or restarting without guidance.
Related reading: Can I stop blood pressure medicine when my readings become normal?.