Chemical thromboprophylaxis before skin closure increases bleeding risk after major ventral hernia repair: A multicenter cohort study

Defect width and operative time are the most significant predictors of venous thromboembolism in ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing ventral hernia repair. Several risk-assessment models have been developed to predict venous thromboembolism risk for various surgical procedures. However, these models do not include hernia-specific risk factors. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the predictors of venous thromboembolism in patients with a ventral hernia repair in a national hernia-specific database.

METHODS

The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database was retrospectively queried for ventral hernia repair data. The ventral hernia repair procedures were divided into 2 groups on the basis of whether the patients developed perioperative venous thromboembolism. Baseline and operative characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. The logistic regression was used to assess the association between different risk factors and venous thromboembolism.

RESULTS

A total of 43,558 patients were included in the study. The 30-day venous thromboembolism rate among these patients was 0.62% (n = 269). Venous thromboembolism was associated with greater 30-day readmission (odds ratio, 4.29; 95% confidence interval, 3.20-5.76), reoperation (odds ratio, 3.97, 95% confidence interval, 2.63-6.00), and mortality rates (odds ratio, 5.95, 95% confidence interval, 2.62-13.48), all P < .001. Bivariate analysis identified a statistically significant association between several patient characteristics, operation, and hernia- related details; however, multivariate analysis revealed that that only hernia width (each increasing centimeter: odds ratio, 1.07, 95% CI, 1.05-1.09) and operative time compared with 0-59 minutes (60-119 minutes: odds ratio, 4.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.86-9.62; 120-179 minutes: odds ratio, 5.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.57-13.0; 180-239 minutes: odds ratio, 8.01; 95% confidence interval, 3.54-18.10; and 240+ minutes: odds ratio, 17.4; 95% confidence interval, 7.88-38.37) were significantly associated with venous thromboembolism risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Venous thromboembolism is an uncommon complication of ventral hernia repair. It is associated with increased readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates. Larger defect width and operative time are most predictive of perioperative venous thromboembolism risk for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair.

Quantifying Perioperative Risks for Antireflux and Hiatus Hernia Surgery: A Multicenter Cohort Study of 4301 Patients

OBJECTIVE

Using a comprehensive Australian cohort, we quantified the incidence and determined the independent predictors of intraoperative and postoperative complications associated with antireflux and hiatus hernia surgeries. In addition, we performed an in-depth analysis to understand the complication profiles associated with each independent risk factor.

BACKGROUND

Predicting perioperative risks for fundoplication and hiatus hernia repair will inform treatment decision-making, hospital resource allocation, and benchmarking. However, available risk calculators do not account for hernia anatomy or technical aspects of surgery in estimating perioperative risk.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all elective antireflux and hiatus hernia surgeries in 36 Australian hospitals over 10 years. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of intraoperative and postoperative complications accounting for patient, surgical, anatomic, and perioperative factors.

RESULTS

A total of 4301 surgeries were analyzed. Of these, 1569 (36.5%) were large/giant hernias and 292 (6.8%) were revisional procedures. The incidence rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications were 12.6% and 13.3%, respectively. The Charlson Comorbidity Index, hernia size, revisional surgery, and baseline anticoagulant usage independently predicted both intraoperative and postoperative complications. These risk factors were associated with their own complication profiles. Finally, using risk matrices, we visualized the cumulative impact of these 4 risk factors on the development of intraoperative, overall postoperative, and major postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has improved our understanding of perioperative morbidity associated with antireflux and hiatus hernia surgery. Our findings group patients along a spectrum of perioperative risks that inform care at an individual and institutional level.

Caprini risk assessment model combined with D-dimer to predict the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis and guide intervention after laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

To explore the diagnostic value of Caprini risk assessment model (2005) combined with D-dimer for deep vein thrombosis, and to exclude patients with low incidence of thrombosis who might not need anticoagulation after surgery.

METHODS

A total of 171 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery from January 2022 to August 2022 were enrolled in this study. Caprini risk assessment model was used to evaluate patients the day before surgery, and full-length venous ultrasonography of lower extremity was used to assess whether patients had thrombosis one day before surgery and the sixth day after surgery. The value of D-dimer was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays on the first day after surgery, and clinical data of patients were collected during hospitalization.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients were divided into IPC Group and IPC + LMWH Group according to whether low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were used to prevent thrombus after surgery. Eventually, 17.6% (15/85) patients in IPC Group and 7% (6/86) patients in IPC + LMWH Group developed DVT. Through separate analysis of IPC Group, it is found that Caprini score and D-dimer were independent risk factors for DVT (Caprini OR 3.39 [95% CI 1.38-8.32]; P = 0.008, D-Dimer OR 6.142 [95% CI 1.209-31.187]; P = 0.029). The area under ROC curve of Caprini risk assessment model is 0.792 (95% CI 0.69-0.945, P < 0.01), the cut-off value is 9.5, and the area under ROC curve of D-dimer is 0.738 (95%CI 0.555-0.921, P < 0.01), the cut-off value is 0.835 μg/mL, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.865 (95% CI 0.754-0.976, P < 0.01) when both of them were combined. Based on decision curve analysis, it is found that Caprini risk assessment model combined with D-dimer can benefit patients more. All patients are divided into four groups. When Caprini score < 10 and D-dimer < 0.835 μg/mL, only 1.23% (1/81) of patients have thrombosis and LMWH has little significance. When Caprini score > 10 and D-dimer > 0.835 μg/mL, the incidence of DVT is 38.7% (12/31) and LMWH should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

The Caprini risk assessment model and D-dimer can provide more accurate risk stratification for patients after laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer.

Optimal Timing of Perioperative Chemical Thromboprophylaxis in Elective Major Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of the timing of chemoprophylaxis on venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) and bleeding rates in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative bleeding and VTE incur significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Chemoprophylaxis is used routinely to prevent VTEs but increases bleeding risk. The perioperative timing of chemoprophylaxis initiation may influence both VTE and bleeding risks. The optimal window for commencing chemoprophylaxis in the perioperative period is unclear.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched using PRISMA guidelines. Randomized trials and cohort studies published between January 1, 2000 to May 10, 2022, which reported on chemoprophylaxis timing as well as the incidence of VTE and bleeding after elective abdominal surgery were meta-analyzed.

RESULTS

From 6175 studies, 14 (24,922 patients) were meta-analyzed. Bariatric (4 studies), antireflux (1 study), hepato-pancreatic-biliary (5 studies), colorectal (1 study), ventral hernia (1 study), and major intra-abdominal surgeries (2 studies) were included. Chemoprophylaxis was initiated before skin closure in 10,403 patients, and postoperatively in 14,519 patients. Both symptomatic [risk ratios (RR), 0.81; 95% CI, 0.45-1.43; P =0.460] and overall (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.45-1.24; P =0.250) VTE rates were comparable between study groups. Compared with postoperative chemoprophylaxis, early usage increased the risk of all bleeding (RR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.13-2.15; P =0.007), major bleeding (RR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.16-2.28; P =0.005), blood transfusion (RR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.24-1.76; P <0.001), and reintervention (RR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.19-3.18; P =0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings advocate for initiating chemoprophylaxis postoperatively in elective abdominal surgery to minimize bleeding risk without compromising VTE protection.

Postoperative Timing of Chemoprophylaxis and Its Impact on Thromboembolism and Bleeding Following Major Abdominal Surgery: A Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Major abdominal surgery is associated with bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risks. Chemoprophylaxis prevents VTE but increases bleeding risk. When compared with pre- and intra-operative chemoprophylaxis, recent evidence suggests that starting chemoprophylaxis postoperatively lowers the risk of bleeding without compromising VTE protection. This study investigates whether an optimal window exists in the postoperative period for initiating chemoprophylaxis in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

METHODS

Analysis of pooled data from four multicenter PROTECTinG studies, which investigated the timing of perioperative chemoprophylaxis on bleeding and VTE outcomes following major abdominal surgery. Patients that commenced chemoprophylaxis postoperatively were separated into quartiles based on timing of administration within the first 24 h post-surgery.

RESULTS

Overall, 4729 (Abdominal visceral resection N = 668, cholecystectomies N = 573, major ventral hernia repair N = 1701, antireflux surgery N = 1787) consecutive patients had chemoprophylaxis commenced within 24 h following elective surgery. Baseline characteristics were comparable between quartiles. Across quartiles and within each procedural type, the timing of starting chemoprophylaxis was not associated with bleeding (2.6, 1.7, 2.7 and 3.2%, p = 0.130) or clinical VTE (0.8, 0.2, 0.8 and 0.5%, p = 0.131), and did not predict their occurrences on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Chemoprophylaxis can be safely started at any time within 24 h post-skin closure in major abdominal surgery, without affecting bleeding or VTE risks. This finding encourages the standardization of chemoprophylaxis timing in the postoperative period to pre-defined times during the day to improve workflow efficiency and chemoprophylaxis compliance.

Optimal Timing of Perioperative Chemoprophylaxis in Patients With High Thromboembolic Risk Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Multicenter Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether early (before skin closure) versus postoperative chemoprophylaxis affects the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and bleeding following major abdominal surgery, in a high thromboembolic risk population.

BACKGROUND

Major abdominal surgery incurs both VTE and bleeding risks. Patients with high preoperative VTE risk derive the most benefit from chemoprophylaxis, but carry an increased risk of bleeding. The optimal window for chemoprophylaxis in the perioperative period, whereby both VTE and bleeding risks are minimized, is unknown.

METHODS

Analysis of pooled data from 5 multicenter studies including only high thromboembolic risk (Caprini score >4) patients. Clinical VTE was defined as radiographically proven symptomatic disease <30 days postsurgery. Major bleeding was defined as the need for blood transfusion, reintervention, or >20 g/L fall in hemoglobin.

RESULTS

From 5501 cases, chemoprophylaxis was initiated early in 1752 (31.8%) patients and postoperatively in 3749 (68.2%) patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between study groups. The incidence of clinical VTE was not associated with chemoprophylaxis timing [early 0.7% vs. postop 0.7%, odds ratio (OR): 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-2.15, P =0.730]. Contrastingly, compared with postoperative chemoprophylaxis, early usage increased the risk of all bleeding (5.1% vs. 2.6%, OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.52-2.73, P <0.001) major bleeding (3.6% vs. 1.8%, OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.40-2.81, P <0.001), and reintervention (2.0% vs. 1.0%, OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.32-3.35, P =0.003). Early chemoprophylaxis independently predicted postoperative bleeding (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.25-2.34, P <0.001), but not VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

In high VTE risk patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, chemoprophylaxis commenced postoperatively reduces bleeding risk without affecting clinical VTE risk.

Early Versus Postoperative Chemical Thromboprophylaxis Is Associated with Increased Bleeding Risk Following Abdominal Visceral Resections: a Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Abdominal visceral resections incur relatively higher rates of postoperative bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE). While guidelines recommend the use of perioperative chemical thromboprophylaxis, the most appropriate time for its initiation is unknown. Here, we investigated whether early (before skin closure) versus postoperative commencement of chemoprophylaxis affected VTE and bleeding rates following abdominal visceral resection.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all elective abdominal visceral resections undertaken between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019, across four tertiary-referral hospitals. Major bleeding was defined as the need for blood transfusion, reintervention, or > 20 g/L fall in hemoglobin from baseline. Clinical VTE was defined as imaging-proven symptomatic disease < 30 days post-surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 945 cases were analyzed. Chemoprophylaxis was given early in 265 (28.0%) patients and postoperatively in 680 (72.0%) patients. Mean chemoprophylaxis exposure doses were similar between the two groups. Clinical VTE developed in 14 (1.5%) patients and was unrelated to chemoprophylaxis timing. Postoperative bleeding occurred in 71 (7.5%) patients, with 57 (80.3%) major bleeds, requiring blood transfusion in 48 (67.6%) cases and reintervention in 31 (43.7%) cases. Bleeding extended length-of-stay (median (IQR), 12 (7-27) versus 7 (5-11) days, p < 0.001). Importantly, compared to postoperative chemoprophylaxis, early administration significantly increased the risk of bleeding (10.6% versus 6.3%, RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.05-1.93, p = 0.038) and independently predicted its occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of bleeding following elective abdominal visceral resections is substantial and is higher than the risk of clinical VTE. Compared with early chemoprophylaxis, postoperative initiation reduces bleeding risk without an increased risk of clinical VTE.