Venous thromboembolism in colorectal surgery: Incidence, risk factors, and prophylaxis

Low pneumoperitoneum pressure on venous thromboembolism in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: A randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) poses a significant risk in colorectal cancer surgeries due to hypercoagulability and the anatomical challenges of the pelvic cavity. With the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, intraoperative strategies for preventing VTE may prove to be effective. This study explores the effects of intraoperative pneumoperitoneum pressures on VTE incidence following colorectal cancer surgeries.

METHODS

This single center parallel randomized controlled double-blind, trial involved 302 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or robotic colorectal surgery. Patients were randomized to either a standard pneumoperitoneum pressure group (SP: 15 mmHg) or a low-pressure group (LP: 10 mmHg). Primary outcomes measured were the incidence of VTE, including symptomatic and asymptomatic DVT and PE. Secondary outcomes included postoperative D-dimer levels, surgery duration, blood loss, surgeon satisfaction, and oncological quality.

RESULTS

Out of 302 randomized patients, 275 were evaluable post exclusions, with 138 in the SP group and 137 in the LP group. The incidence of VTE was 10.9 % in the SP and 13.9 % in the LP group, with no significant difference between the two (P = 0.450). Secondary outcomes such as D-dimer levels, surgery duration, and blood loss showed no significant differences between two groups. Surgeon satisfaction and oncological outcomes were similarly comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

The trial demonstrated no significant difference in the incidence of VTE between standard and low pneumoperitoneum pressures. This suggests that lower pressures may not necessarily provide a benefit in reducing postoperative VTE in colorectal cancer surgeries.

Postoperative venous thromboembolism after surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Local recurrence is common after curative resections of rectal cancer. Surgical resection is considered a primary curative treatment option for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). LRRC often requires a combined resection of other organs, especially in the case of posterior recurrence, which requires a combined resection of the sacrum, making the surgery highly invasive. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the lethal complications in the postoperative period, particularly in the field of pelvic surgery. We found no reports regarding the risks of postoperative VTE in surgery for LRRC, a typical highly invasive procedure in the field of colorectal surgery. This study aims to evaluate the risk of postoperative VTE in surgery for LRRC patients.

METHODS

From April 2010 to March 2022, a total of 166 patients underwent surgery for LRRC in the pelvic region at our institutions. Clinicopathological background and VTE incidence were compared retrospectively.

RESULTS

Among the 166 patients included in the study, 55 patients (33.1%) needed sacral resection. Pharmacological prophylaxis for prevention of VTE was performed in 121 patients (73.3%), and the incidence of VTE was 9.09% (5/55 patients) among those who underwent surgery for LRRC with sacral resection, while it was 1.8% (2/111 patients) in those without sacral resection. In univariate analysis, the combination with sacral resection was identified as a risk factor for VTE in surgery for LRRC (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that surgery for LRRC combined with sacral resection could be a significant risk factor for VTE.

Room for Improvement: The Impact of Guideline-Recommended Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery for Colorectal and Anal Cancer at a Tertiary Referral Center

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism occurs in approximately 2% of patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic surgery for cancers of the colon, rectum, and anus and is considered preventable. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends extended prophylaxis in high-risk patients, but there is low adherence to the guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the impact of venous thromboembolism risk-guided prophylaxis in patients undergoing elective abdominal and pelvic surgeries for colorectal and anal cancers from 2016 to 2021.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective analysis.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a multisite tertiary referral academic health care system.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent elective abdominal or pelvic surgery for colon, rectal, or anal cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Receipt of Caprini-guided venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, 90-day postoperative rate of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, and bleeding events.

RESULTS

A total of 3504 patients underwent elective operations, of whom 2224 (63%) received appropriate thromboprophylaxis in the inpatient setting. In the postdischarged cohort of 2769 patients, only 2% received appropriate thromboprophylaxis and no thromboembolic events were observed. In the group receiving inappropriate thromboprophylaxis, at 90 days postdischarge, the deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism rates were 0.60%, 0.40%, and 0.88%, respectively. Postoperative bleeding was not different between the 2 groups.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations to our study include its retrospective nature, use of aggregated electronic medical records, and single health care system experience.

CONCLUSION

Most patients in our health care system undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancers of the colon, rectum, and anus were discharged without appropriate Caprini-guided venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Risk-guided prophylaxis was associated with decreased rates of inhospital and postdischarge venous thromboembolism without increased bleeding complications. See Video Abstract .

MARGEN DE MEJORA EL IMPACTO DE LA TROMBOPROFILAXIS RECOMENDADA POR LAS DIRECTRICES EN PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CIRUGA ABDOMINAL POR CNCER COLORRECTAL Y ANAL EN UN CENTRO DE REFERENCIA TERCIARIO

ANTECEDENTES:El tromboembolismo venoso ocurre en aproximadamente el 2% de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal y pélvica por cánceres de colon, recto y ano, y se considera prevenible. La Sociedad Estadounidense de Cirujanos de Colon y Recto recomienda una profilaxis prolongada en pacientes de alto riesgo, pero el cumplimiento de las directrices es bajo.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto de la profilaxis guiada por el riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) en pacientes sometidos a cirugías abdominales y pélvicas electivas por cáncer colorrectal y anal entre 2016 y 2021.DISEÑO:Este fue un análisis retrospectivo.AJUSTE:El estudio se llevó a cabo en un sistema de salud académico de referencia terciaria de múltiples sitios.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal o pélvica electiva por cáncer de colon, recto o ano.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Recepción de profilaxis de tromboembolismo venoso guiada por Caprini, tasa postoperatoria de 90 días de trombosis venosa profunda, embolia pulmonar, tromboembolismo venoso y eventos de sangrado.RESULTADOS:Un total de 3.504 pacientes se sometieron a operaciones electivas, de los cuales 2.224 (63%) recibieron tromboprofilaxis adecuada en el ámbito hospitalario. En el cohorte de 2.769 pacientes después del alta, solo el 2% recibió tromboprofilaxis adecuada en la que no se observaron eventos tromboembólicos. En el grupo que recibió tromboprofilaxis inadecuada, a los 90 días después del alta, las tasas de trombosis venosa profunda, embolia pulmonar y tromboembolia venosa fueron del 0,60%, 0,40% y 0,88%, respectivamente. El sangrado posoperatorio no fue diferente entre los dos grupos.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones de nuestro estudio incluyen su naturaleza retrospectiva, el uso de registros médicos electrónicos agregados y la experiencia de un solo sistema de atención médica.CONCLUSIÓN:La mayoría de los pacientes en nuestro sistema de salud sometidos a cirugía abdominal o pélvica por cánceres de colon, recto y ano fueron dados de alta sin una profilaxis adecuada de TEV guiada por Caprini. La profilaxis guiada por el riesgo se asoció con menores tasas de tromboembolismo venoso hospitalario y dado de alta sin un aumento de las complicaciones de sangrado. (Traducción-Dr. Aurian Garcia Gonzalez ).

Timing and Location of Venous Thromboembolisms After Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

INTRODUCTION

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are reported to be at elevated risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The rate and location of these VTE complications is unclear.

METHODS

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) undergoing intestinal operations between January 2006 and March 2021 were identified from the medical record at a single institution. The overall incidence of VTEs and their anatomic location were determined to 90 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

In 2716 operations in patients with UC, VTE prevalence was 1.95% at 1-30 days, 0.74% at 31-60 days, and 0.48% at 90 days (P < 0.0001). Seventy two percent of VTEs within the first 30 days were in the portomesenteric system, and this remained the location for the majority of VTE events at 31-60 and 61-90 days postoperatively. In the first 30 days, proctectomies had the highest incidence of VTEs (2.5%) in patients with UC. In 2921 operations in patients with CD, VTE prevalence was 1.43%, 0.55%, and 0.41% at 1-30 days, 31-60 days, and 61-90 days, respectively (P < 0.0001). Portomesenteric VTEs accounted for 31% of all VTEs within 30 days postoperatively. In the first 30 days, total abdominal colectomies had the highest incidence of VTEs (2.5%) in patients with CD.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of VTEs within 90 days of surgery for UC and Crohn's are diagnosed within the first 30 days. The risk of a VTE varies by the extent of the operation performed, with portomesenteric VTE representing a substantial proportion of events.

Effect of Pharmacoprophylaxis on Postoperative Outcomes in Adult Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study within an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Framework

BACKGROUND

The application of enhanced recovery after surgery principles decreases postoperative complications (POCs), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Pharmacoprophylaxis decreases morbidity, but the effect of specific regimens on clinical outcomes is unclear.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Records of 476 randomly selected adult patients who underwent elective colorectal surgeries (ECRS) at 10 US hospitals were abstracted. Primary outcomes were surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain, and ileus rates. Secondary outcomes included LOS and 7- and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

POC rates were SSI (3.4%), VTE (1.5%), PONV (47.9%), pain (58.1%), and ileus (16.1%). Cefazolin 2 g/metronidazole 500 mg and ertapenem 1 g were associated with the shortest LOS; cefotetan 2 g and cefoxitin 2 g with the longest LOS. No SSI occurred with ertapenem and cefotetan. More Caucasians than Blacks received oral antibiotics before intravenous antibiotics without impact. Enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously daily was the most common inpatient and discharge VTE prophylaxis. All in-hospital VTEs occurred with unfractionated heparin. Most received rescue rather than around-the-clock antiemetics. Scopolamine patches, spinal opioids, and IV lidocaine continuous infusion were associated with lower PONV. Transversus abdominis plane block with long-acting local anesthetics, celecoxib, non-anesthetic ketamine bolus, ketorolac IV, lidocaine IV, and pregabalin were associated with lower in-hospital pain severity rates. Gabapentinoids and alvimopan were associated with lower ileus rates. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patches were associated with shorter LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in pharmacotherapy regimens that may improve primary and secondary outcomes in ECRS were identified. In adult ECRS, cefotetan or ertapenem may be better regimens for preventing in-hospital SSI, while ertapenem or C/M may lead to shorter LOS. The value of OA to prevent SSI was not demonstrated. Inpatient enoxaparin, compared to UFH, may reduce VTE rates with a similar LOS. A minority of patients had a documented PONV risk assessment, and a majority used as-needed rather than around-the-clock strategies. Preoperative scopolamine patches continued postoperatively may lower PONV and PDNV severity and shorter LOS. Alvimopan may reduce ileus and shorten LOS. Anesthesia that includes TAP block, ketorolac IV, and pregabalin use may lead to reduced pain rates. Acetaminophen, alvimopan, famotidine, and lidocaine patches may shorten LOS. Given the challenges of pain management and the incidence of PONV/PDNV found in this study, additional studies should be conducted to determine optimal opioid-free anesthesia and the benefit of newer antiemetics on patient outcomes. Moreover, future research should identify latent pharmacotherapy variables that impact patient outcomes, correlate pertinent laboratory results, and examine the impact of order or care sets used for ECRS at study hospitals.

The Impact of Caprini Guideline Indicated Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Colorectal Surgery Patients: Experience of a Single Health System

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the most common cause of preventable mortality following colorectal surgery (CRS), occurring in about 2% of patients. As a result, prophylaxis including discharge chemoprophylaxis is recommended. While VTE risk assessment tools are available, the consistent adoption and utilization of these tools remains elusive. Our study objectives were to determine the utilization and impact of risk adjusted VTE prophylaxis in CRS patients.

STUDY DESIGN

CRS cases performed between 1/1/2016 and 5/31/2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Caprini score and implemented VTE prophylaxis measures were determined. The primary outcome measure was receiving Caprini guideline indicated VTE prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes included VTE and bleeding. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, and continuous variables by Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression models were used to determine predictors of receiving appropriate VTE prophylaxis or experiencing postoperative VTE and bleeding.

RESULTS

10,422 CRS cases were analyzed and 90.6% were high risk for VTE. In-hospital appropriate prophylaxis rates in low, moderate, high, and very high-risk category patients were 91.2%, 56.1%, 61.0%, and 63.1%, respectively. Inpatient VTE was reduced by 75% in those receiving appropriate VTE prophylaxis. At discharge, 5.8% of patients received appropriate prophylaxis, in whom there were no VTE events at 30- and 90 days from discharge. Increasing Caprini score positively correlated with VTE risk in both the inpatient and discharge cohorts, but inversely correlated with the likelihood of receiving appropriate prophylaxis at discharge (OR .31, P <.0001).

CONCLUSION

Caprini guideline indicated VTE prophylaxis in CRS patients reduced VTE events without increasing bleeding complications.

Incidence, prevention, risk factors, and prediction of venous thromboembolism in Chinese patients after colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective, multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and serious complication after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Few large-sample studies have reported VTE incidence and management status after CRC surgery in China. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and prevention of VTE in Chinese patients after CRC surgery, identify risk factors for developing VTE, and construct a new scoring system for clinical decision-making and care planning.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from 46 centers in 17 provinces in China. Patients were followed up for 1 month postoperatively. The study period was from May 2021 to May 2022. The Caprini score risk stratification and VTE prevention and incidence were recorded. The predictors of the occurrence of VTE after surgery were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a prediction model (CRC-VTE score) was developed.

RESULTS

A total of 1836 patients were analyzed. The postoperative Caprini scores ranged from 1 to 16 points, with a median of 6 points. Of these, 10.1% were classified as low risk (0-2 points), 7.4% as moderate risk (3-4 points), and 82.5% as high risk (≥5 points). Among these patients, 1210 (65.9%) received pharmacological prophylaxis, and 1061 (57.8%) received mechanical prophylaxis. The incidence of short-term VTE events after CRC surgery was 11.2% (95% CI 9.8-12.7), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (11.0%, 95% CI 9.6-12.5) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (0.2%, 95% CI 0-0.5). Multifactorial analysis showed that age (≥70 years), history of varicose veins in the lower extremities, cardiac insufficiency, female sex, preoperative bowel obstruction, preoperative bloody/tarry stool, and anesthesia time at least 180 min were independent risk factors for postoperative VTE. The CRC-VTE model was developed from these seven factors and had good VTE predictive performance ( C -statistic 0.72, 95% CI 0.68-0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided a national perspective on the incidence and prevention of VTE after CRC surgery in China. The study offers guidance for VTE prevention in patients after CRC surgery. A practical CRC-VTE risk predictive model was proposed.

Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in Colon and Rectal Cancer: Do Tumor Location and Operation Matter?

BACKGROUND

Existing venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk scores help identify patients at increased risk of postoperative VTE who warrant extended prophylaxis in the first 30 days. However, these methods do not address factors unique to colorectal surgery, wherein the tumor location and operation performed vary widely. VTE risk may extend past 30 days. Therefore, we aimed to determine the roles of tumor location and operation in VTE development and evaluate VTE incidence through 90 days postoperatively.

STUDY DESIGN

Adult patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2021, at a single institution were identified. Patients were then stratified by cancer location and by operative extent. VTEs were identified using diagnosis codes in the electronic medical record and consisted of extremity deep venous thromboses, portomesenteric venous thromboses, and pulmonary emboli.

RESULTS

A total of 6,844 operations were identified (72% segmental colectomy, 22% proctectomy, 6% total (procto)colectomy), and tumor location was most commonly in the ascending colon (32%), followed by the rectum (31%), with other locations less common (sigmoid 16%, rectosigmoid junction 9%, transverse colon 7%, descending colon 5%). The cumulative incidence of any VTE was 3.1% at 90 days with a relatively steady increase across the entire 90-day interval. Extremity deep venous thromboses were the most common VTE type, accounting for 37% of events, and pulmonary emboli and portomesenteric venous thromboses made up 33% and 30% of events, respectively. More distal tumor locations and more anatomically extensive operations had higher VTE rates.

CONCLUSIONS

When considering extended VTE prophylaxis after colorectal surgery, clinicians should account for the operation performed and the location of the tumor. Further study is necessary to determine the optimal length of VTE prophylaxis in high-risk individuals.

Time trends in the incidence rates of venous thromboembolism following colorectal resection by indication and operative technique

AIM

It is important for patient safety to assess if international changes in perioperative care, such as the focus on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention and minimally invasive surgery, have reduced the high post colectomy VTE risks previously reported. This study assesses the impact of changes in perioperative care on VTE risk following colorectal resection.

METHOD

This was a population-based cohort study of colectomy patients in England between 2000 and 2019 using a national database of linked primary (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) and secondary (Hospital Episode Statistics) care data. Within 30 days following colectomy, absolute VTE rates per 1000 person-years and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) using Poisson regression for the per year change in VTE risk were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 183 791 patients, 1337 (0.73%) developed 30-day postoperative VTE. Overall, VTE rates reduced over the 20-year study period following elective (relative risk reduction 31.25%, 95% CI 5.69%-49.88%) but not emergency surgery. Similarly, yearly changes in VTE risk reduced following minimally invasive resections (elective benign, aIRR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.97; elective malignant, aIRR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98; and emergency benign, aIRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-1.00) but not following open resections. There was a per year VTE risk increase following open emergency malignant resections (aIRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04).

CONCLUSION

Yearly VTE risks reduced following minimally invasive surgeries in the elective setting yet in contrast were static following open elective colectomies, and following emergency malignant resections increased by almost 2% per year. To reduce VTE risk, further efforts are required to implement advances in surgical care for those having emergency and/or open surgery.

Application of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis program in patients with colorectal cancer using the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of postoperative symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) in western colorectal cancer is 1.1-2.5%. Anticoagulation and mechanical devices are recommended for moderate-to high-risk patients. Hospital stay and immobilization, as risk factors for VTE, are reduced by enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). This study aimed to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes for a VTE prophylaxis program after minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery with ERAS protocol. In addition, predicting factors associated with VTE were investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included 1043 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who required surgical treatment between January 2017 and December 2019 at a single institution. The patients enrolled followed the VTE prophylaxis program.

RESULTS

Five (0.5%) patients developed symptomatic VTE, and the median follow-up period was 21 months. The Caprini score for all VTE patients was ≤8 points; thus, only mechanical prophylaxis was applied. The incidence rate of postoperative symptomatic VTE was only 0.5%. There was no association between variables considered as associated with VTE onset, such as age, perioperative complication, and length of postoperative day. TNM staging (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.4-4.16, p = 0.001) and the Caprini score (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.1-2.8, p = 0.001) were associated with VTE onset.

CONCLUSION

Although pharmacological prophylaxis was only performed for Caprini scores ≥9, the VTE incidence rate of patients with colorectal cancer undergoing VTE prophylaxis program was 0.6%; 0.7% is the incidence criterion of the moderate group recommended for pharmacological prophylaxis. Continuous follow-up is required for patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer with high-risk Caprini scores.

Postoperative Thromboembolism According to the Type of Surgery: A Nationwide Study in the Republic of Korea

Postoperative thromboembolism (TE) is a serious, but preventable, complication in surgical patients. Orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and vascular surgery are considered high risk for TE, and current guidelines recommend TE prophylaxis. However, insufficient data exist regarding TE risk in other general surgeries. This study identified the actual incidence and relative risk of postoperative TE in the real world, according to surgery type. Twenty-six surgeries between 1 December 2017 and 31 August 2019 were selected from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database and analyzed for postoperative TE events. Among all patients, 2.17% had a TE event within 6 months of surgery and 0.75% had a TE event owing to anticoagulant treatment. The incidence of total TE events was the highest in total knee replacement (12.77%), hip replacement (11.46%), and spine surgery (5.98%). The incidence of TE with anticoagulant treatment was the highest in total knee replacement (7.40%), hip replacement (7.20%), and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (3.81%). Hip replacement, total knee replacement, CABG surgery, spine surgery, and cardiac surgery except CABG surgery, showed relatively higher risks for total claimed venous TE. The relative risk of venous TE with anticoagulant treatment was the highest for hysterectomy, partial hepatectomy, hip replacement, cardiac surgery except CABG surgery, and total knee replacement. The relative risk of arterial TE was the highest for cardiac surgery, total knee replacement, and hip replacement. In the real world, the incidence of postoperative TE events from total knee replacement and those from hip replacement remain high, and some surgeries could have a relatively higher risk of TE than other surgeries. For patients undergoing these surgeries, studies to reduce the incidence of postoperative TE in clinical practice should be conducted.

Risk of Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism After Surgery for Colorectal Malignancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer has the second highest mortality of any malignancy, and venous thromboembolism is a major postoperative complication.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the variation in incidence of venous thromboembolism after colorectal cancer resection.

DATA SOURCES

Following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42019148828), Medline and Embase databases were searched from database inception to August 2019 including 3 other registered medical databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Two blinded reviewers screened studies with a third reviewer adjudicating any discordance. Eligibility criteria: Patients post colorectal cancer resection aged ≥18 years. Exclusion criteria: Patients undergoing completely endoscopic surgery and those without cancer resection. Selected studies were randomized controlled trials and population-based database/registry cohorts.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Thirty- and 90-day incidence rates of venous thromboembolism per 1000 person-years following colorectal cancer surgery.

RESULTS

Of 6441 studies retrieved, 28 met inclusion criteria. Eighteen were available for meta-analysis reporting on 539,390 patients. Pooled 30- and 90-day incidence rates of venous thromboembolism following resection were 195 (95% CI, 148-256, I2 99.1%) and 91 (95% CI, 56-146, I2 99.2%) per 1000 person-years. When separated by United Nations Geoscheme Areas, differences in the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism were observed with 30- and 90-day pooled rates per 1000 person-years of 284 (95% CI, 238-339) and 121 (95% CI, 82-179) in the Americas and 71 (95% CI, 60-84) and 57 (95% CI, 47-69) in Europe.

LIMITATIONS

A high degree of heterogeneity was observed within meta-analyses attributable to large cohorts minimizing within-study variance.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of venous thromboembolism following colorectal cancer resection is high and remains so more than 1 month after surgery. There is clear disparity between the incidence of venous thromboembolism after colorectal cancer surgery by global region. More robust population studies are required to further investigate these geographical differences to determine valid regional incidence rates of venous thromboembolism following colorectal cancer resection.

Venous thromboembolism after esophagectomy for cancer: a systematic review of the literature to evaluate incidence, risk factors, and prophylaxis

PURPOSE

Although esophagectomy remains the preferred treatment for esophageal cancer, it is still associated with a number of complications, including post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to summarize the reported incidence of VTE after esophagectomy, its risk factors, and prevention strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected in the present review. Overall, we identified 9768 patients who underwent esophagectomy, with a post-operative VTE rate of 4% (440 patients). The reported risk factors for VTE included advanced age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III or IV, a history of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, and the implementation of preoperative chemo-radiotherapy. Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome was also associated with VTE. No universally applied prevention strategies for VTE after esophagectomy were identified in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advances in perioperative care, VTE after esophagectomy still represents a source of morbidity for about 4% of patients. Low molecular weight heparin is suggested as the routine standard prophylactic regimen after esophageal cancer surgery.

Clinical analysis of postoperative venous thromboembolism in Japanese patients after colorectal cancer surgery

PURPOSE

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major complication after abdominal surgery; however, the best strategy for preventing VTE after surgery is not yet established. We performed this study to investigate the incidence of perioperative VTE and evaluate the efficacy of a VTE preventive strategy for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The subjects of this retrospective analysis were 228 patients who underwent curative surgical resection for CRC between 2012 and 2016. The patients were treated with thromboprophylaxis including enoxaparin. We assessed the perioperative VTE occurrence rate and investigated the risk factors for postoperative VTE.

RESULTS

Among the 228 patients, 77 had a preoperative D-dimer level of > 1.0 μg/mL and 12 had deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed by ultrasonography preoperatively. Of the remaining 216 patients, short-term VTE (< 30 days) developed in two patients (0.9%) and long-term VTE (30 days-3 years) developed in seven (3.2%). The mortality rate of patients with VTE was 0%. The univariate analysis indicated that pulmonary disease was the risk factor for short-term VTE, whereas obesity, hyperlipidemia, and a preoperative history of pulmonary embolism were the risk factors for long-term VTE (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this analysis show that our preventive protocol including enoxaparin is an effective strategy for preventing postoperative VTE.

Surgical complications in colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic sciences have allowed early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly reported cancers, particularly in elderly patients.

METHODS

Open and laparoscopic surgeries are used for the removal of the tumor, along with chemotherapy, depending on the stage of cancer. However, colorectal cancer surgery is associated with a great number of complications, that affect the efficacy of the surgery and overall health and survival of the patient.

RESULTS

Prevalence of these complications have shown discrepancies depending on the condition of the patient and disease and surgical skills of the surgeon. Preoperative evaluation, intraoperative care and postoperative measures can reduce the incidence of these complications.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights some frequently reported complications associated with colorectal cancer surgery, their risk factors and subsequent therapeutic measures to treat them.

Anastomotic bleeding following ileocolic end-to-side anastomosis using a circular stapler: incidence and risk factors

PURPOSE

To identify the incidence of and risk factors for postoperative bleeding after ileocolic end-to-side anastomosis using a circular stapler.

METHODS

We analyzed, retrospectively, the risk factors for postoperative anastomotic bleeding in patients who underwent right-sided colectomy with end-to-side anastomosis done using a circular stapler during colon tumor surgery at our institute between January 2015 and March 2019.

RESULTS

Anastomotic bleeding developed in 10 (3.6%) of the total 279 patients. Univariate analysis revealed that age ≥ 80 years (8.8% vs. 1.9%; P = 0.008) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥ 1 (12.5% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.014) were significant risk factors for anastomotic bleeding. Postoperative anticoagulation therapy was not a risk factor for anastomotic bleeding. Multivariate analysis revealed that only age ≥ 80 years was an independent risk factor (odds ratio 4.12, 95% confidence interval 1.02-16.68, P = 0.047). Six of the ten patients with anastomotic bleeding were treated conservatively, three were treated by colonoscopic clipping, and one required surgery.

CONCLUSION

End-to-side anastomosis is safe and feasible, but must be performed carefully in the elderly, who are at higher risk of anastomotic bleeding.

Observational Multicenter Study on the Prognostic Relevance of Coagulation Activation in Risk Assessment and Stratification in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer. Outline of the ARIAS Trial

A hypercoagulable state may either underlie or frankly accompany cancer disease at its onset or emerge in course of cancer development. Whichever the case, hypercoagulation may severely limit administration of cancer therapies, impose integrative supporting treatments and finally have an impact on prognosis. Within a flourishing research pipeline, a recent study of stage I-IIA breast cancer patients has allowed the development of a prognostic model including biomarkers of coagulation activation, which efficiently stratified prognosis of patients in the study cohort. We are now validating our risk assessment tool in an independent cohort of 108 patients with locally advanced breast cancer with indication to neo-adjuvant therapy followed by breast surgery. Within this study population, we will use our tool for risk assessment and stratification in reference to 1. pathologic complete response rate at definitive surgery, intended as our primary endpoint, and 2. rate of thromboembolic events, intended as our secondary endpoint. Patients’ screening and enrollment procedures are currently in place. The trial will be shortly enriched by experimental tasks centered on next-generation sequencing techniques for identifying additional molecular targets of treatments which may integrate current standards of therapy in high-risk patients.