Final answer:
In the case of a patient with AFib scheduled for elective surgery, warfarin is typically stopped to minimize the risk of bleeding, with consideration for bridging therapy based on individual clotting risk.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a female patient with a history of atrial fibrillation (AFib) is scheduled for elective bladder sling surgery for urinary incontinence, the question of whether to stop warfarin, bridge warfarin, or continue warfarin must be addressed. As part of preoperative planning for patients on anticoagulation therapy, the risk of thromboembolism if warfarin is stopped must be weighed against the risk of bleeding if it is continued. In many cases, such as elective surgeries, warfarin is typically stopped due to the risk of bleeding during the operation.
However, because each patient's risks may vary, the decision should be made in accordance with the latest clinical guidelines and in collaboration with the patient's healthcare provider. A commonly practiced strategy is to discontinue warfarin several days prior to surgery and, in some cases, use bridging anticoagulation therapy such as low molecular weight heparin, depending on the individual's risk for a clot. The LibreTexts extract refers to recommendations for pregnant women, which do not directly apply to this scenario but emphasize the importance of careful medication management.