Thromboprophylaxis in Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, complex, and costly complication in cancer patients undergoing surgery. VTE risk varies with types of cancer surgery as well as patient-, cancer-, and treatment-associated factors. Current VTE preventive measures with pharmacological, mechanical, and combination of both are shown to be effective. Clinical questions remain and more research is needed, focusing on the role of thromboprophylaxis for minimally invasive surgery and major cancer surgery other than abdominal/pelvic surgery, as well as optimal duration of thromboprophylaxis in high-risk patients. Routine individual VTE risk assessment and better adherence to thromboprophylaxis guidelines may offer improved outcomes in cancer patients undergoing surgery. A summary of currently available evidence and consensus guidelines on the primary prevention of VTE in cancer patients undergoing various types of surgery is presented here.

Thrombosis and Hemostasis in Surgery

“…3 Exploring these clinical dilemmas, Htun and Lee summarize the evidence on the efficacy and safety of primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients undergoing surgery, also taking into account the influence of cancer type on thromboembolic risk; they also present the current consensus recommendations in this setting. 4 Pediatric cardiac surgery affords special challenges in regard to management of hemostasis. First of all, hemostasis in children differs from that in adults, 5 making interpretation of laboratory tests challenging.…”

Untitled

“…3 Exploring these clinical dilemmas, Htun and Lee summarize the evidence on the efficacy and safety of primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients undergoing surgery, also taking into account the influence of cancer type on thromboembolic risk; they also present the current consensus recommendations in this setting. 4 Pediatric cardiac surgery affords special challenges in regard to management of hemostasis. First of all, hemostasis in children differs from that in adults, 5 making interpretation of laboratory tests challenging.…”