Which medication could lead to delayed surgery if not stopped in advance?

The use of an anticoagulant agent could lead to delayed surgery if not discontinued prior to the procedure. Anticoagulants, such as warfarin, heparin, and direct oral anticoagulants, are designed to prevent blood clot formation and are crucial for patients at risk of thromboembolic events. However, their presence in the bloodstream increases the risk of excessive bleeding during surgery, which can complicate the surgical procedure and recovery.

To manage this risk, healthcare providers typically require that anticoagulants be stopped well in advance of any surgical intervention. This allows the patient’s coagulation status to return to normal, thereby minimizing the risk of intraoperative bleeding and related complications. The specific timing for discontinuation often depends on the type of anticoagulant being used and the nature of the surgical procedure.

In contrast, analgesic agents typically do not affect bleeding risk in a significant way, and while antihypertensive agents may be managed around the time of surgery to maintain blood pressure, they do not pose the same risk for delayed surgery. Antibiotic agents are usually used to prevent infection and are not directly related to bleeding risks.