A patient is scheduled for elective surgery and has been instructed to discontinue aspirin before the procedure. Which statement best reflects the guideline for stopping aspirin prior to surgery?

• A. Discontinue aspirin 1 to 2 weeks before surgery.
• B. Continue aspirin through the day of surgery.
• C. Stop aspirin only 24 hours before surgery.
• D. Stop aspirin 4 days before surgery.

Answer: (A)

Aspirin’s effect on platelets is irreversible and lasts for the life of the platelet. Because platelets only turnover about every 7 to 10 days, stopping aspirin long enough before surgery lets new, functional platelets form and reduces the risk of excessive bleeding during the operation. A window of one to two weeks provides sufficient time for this recovery, which is why it’s the best guideline for elective procedures.

Continuing aspirin up to the day of surgery would keep platelets inhibited and increase bleeding risk. Stopping only 24 hours before doesn’t give enough time for platelet function to rebound. Stopping four days before is shorter than the typical 7–10 day recovery period, making it less ideal for minimizing bleeding in most cases.