Incidence and risk factors of venous thromboembolism after pelvic uro-oncologic surgery--a single center experience

Abstract

Objective: To determine the incidence and assess risk factors for the development of VTE among patients undergoing major pelvic surgery for prostate and bladder cancer in an Australian tertiary referral center.

Patients and methods: Consecutive patients undergoing major pelvic uro-oncologic surgery, namely radical cystectomy and radical prostatectomy over a five-year period (2009-2013) were identified. Patient variables and types of thromboprophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical) used in this patient cohort were collected for analyses as predictive factors.

Results: The overall incidence of VTE was 1.8%. Patients undergoing radical cystectomy were more likely to suffer a VTE event compared to patients having radical prostatectomy. In this cohort, the risk factors for VTE include, prolonged operative time of greater than 4 hours (h), lymph node dissection (LND) and patients requiring blood transfusions.

Conclusion: Patients undergoing major pelvic uro-oncologic surgery have an approximately 1.8% risk of developing VTE. Risk factors identified in this study should be used to guide the use of early and prolonged thromboprophylaxis.

Keywords: thromboprophylaxis; uro-oncologic surgery; venous thromboembolism.