Publication:

Adequate timing of thromboembolic prophylaxis in colorectal cancer surgery

Background It has been found that patients with colorectal cancer are at increased risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the incidence of venous thromboembolism and major bleeding complications in patients undergoing colorectal cancer who are treated with preoperative or postoperative venous thromboprophylaxis.

Methods This prospective study included 30 patients from September 2013 to November 2017. There were 22 males and 8 females; mean age was 66.7±5.5 years (range 44-78). Author divided the patients randomly into two groups (group A=15 cases with preoperative and group B = 15 cases with postoperative venous thromboprophylaxis).

Results There was no significant difference in preoperative versus postoperative thromboembolic prophylaxis regarding postoperative DVT 0/15(0%) vs 1/15 (6.6%), P=0.69, no bleeding complications and no pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions Preoperative and postoperative thromboembolic prophylaxis are equally safe in venous thromboembolism protection.