REVIEWS
IMAJ | volume 27
Journal 8, August 2025
pages: 537-540
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor and the Risk of Postsurgical Bleeding: A literature Review
1 Department of Plastic Surgery, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
2 Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
3 Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson Campus), Petah Tikva, Israel
Summary
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamin, 5-HT) is a vital monoamine neurotransmitter that modulates various physiological processes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for the management of depressive disorders. Prolonged administration of SSRIs may lead to reduced platelet aggregability due to the depletion of serotonin stores within platelets. However, the association between chronic SSRI use and the risk of postoperative bleeding remains a topic of debate, with no standardized guidelines for managing this risk in the field of plastic surgery. This literature review and case report highlights the importance of considering chronic SSRI use as a potential risk factor for postoperative bleeding in plastic surgery patients. Standardized guidelines for handling postoperative bleeding risk in patients using SSRIs are crucial for ensuring optimal surgical outcomes and patient safety.