Scientific Publications Database

Article Title: Extended thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) following abdominopelvic cancer surgery
Authors: Carrier, Marc; Altman, Alon D.; Blais, Normand; Diamantouros, Artemis; McLeod, Deanna; Moodley, Uthaman; Nguyen, Christine; Young, Stephanie; Schwenter, Frank
Journal: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY Volume 218 Issue 3
Date of Publication:2019
Abstract:
Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Certain abdominopelvic cancer surgeries are associated with a six to 14-fold increased risk of DVT versus surgeries for benign disease, and extended thromboprophylaxis using perioperative LMWHs may further reduce VTE rates over standard duration administration. This review assesses the value of extended low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) thromboprophylaxis as a recommended strategy after abdominopelvic cancer surgery.Data sources: Six eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs), seven meta-analyses (MAs), and five nonrandomized cohort studies were identified evaluating extended versus standard thromboprophylaxis following abdominopelvic cancer surgery.Findings and conclusions: Available evidence showed significantly reduced rates of VTE for extended versus standard LMWH thromboprophylaxis following abdominopelvic cancer surgery, with some studies showing trends toward reduced rates of symptomatic VTE events. Many of these studies showed significantly reduced rates of proximal DVT and some showed trends toward reduced PE, suggesting potentially important clinical benefits. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.