Defining practice patterns in gynecologic oncology to prevent pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis

OBJECTIVE: The goal of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with the development of a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Because women with gynecologic cancers are at high risk to develop VTE, we sought to determine the present practice patterns of gynecologic oncologists regarding their use of VTE prophylaxis. METHODS: 1073 members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) were mailed surveys that asked about preferred methods to prevent the development of VTE after gynecologic oncology surgery. Data were collected by online member entry and return mail. Frequency distributions were calculated and nonparametric test used for comparisons. RESULTS: 343/1073 (34%) of SGO members and fellows responded. 142/343 (42%) preferred double prophylaxis consisting of external pneumatic compression (EPC) and an anticoagulant while 41% (n=141) preferred EPC with no additional anticoagulation. Of respondents choosing any anticoagulant, 40% preferred Enoxaparin pre- and/or postoperatively. Ovarian cancer patients were perceived by respondents to have the highest risk of developing a postoperative PE. CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents agree that women with gynecologic cancers undergoing major surgery should receive VTE prophylaxis, though there is not agreement as to which method is optimal. While 42% of members preferred double prophylaxis, 41% chose no additional measures other than EPC. Randomized studies in gynecologic oncology should be initiated in the United States to determine the optimal practice pattern.     

妇科恶性肿瘤患者术后静脉血栓栓塞的高危因素分析

目的:探讨妇科恶性肿瘤患者术后静脉血栓栓塞疾病(VTE)发生的危险因素及其预防措施。方法:回顾分析32例北京大学人民医院诊治的术后VTE的妇科恶性肿瘤患者临床资料,并与具有相同高危因素,包括高血压、糖尿病、高血脂但术后未发生VTE的61例妇科恶性肿瘤患者的临床资料进行对比分析。结果:血栓组与对照组比较,脂肪肝(χ2=5.056,P=0.025)、术后化疗(χ2=13.657,P<0.001)及围手术期给予止血药物(χ2=12.007,P=0.001)明显增加VTE的发生率,而术中化疗(χ2=8.233,P=0.004)及术后采用抗凝等预防措施(χ2=18.582,P<0.001)则显著降低VTE的发生率。而其余因素两组间无统计学差异。Logistic回归分析提示围手术期给予止血药物与术后VTE的关系最密切,OR为6.129(1.242,30.239)。VTE使得患者住院时间明显延长(P=0.010)。结论:妇科恶性肿瘤患者术后发生VTE的可能性大,术前应进行危险因素评估,对于合并高血压、糖尿病、高血脂、脂肪肝、术后化疗以及围手术期接受止血药物治疗的患者,应采取积极的多种联合预防措施,以减少术后VTE的发生。     

Is venous thromboprophylaxis necessary in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for a gynecologic malignancy?

Objectives

Current recommendations for the use of venous thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for a gynecologic malignancy are derived from patients undergoing open surgery. Our objective was to determine the 30-day prevalence of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) after laparoscopic gynecologic oncology procedures in patients who received no thromboprophylaxis.

Methods

Between January 2006 and September 2013, women who underwent MIS for endometrial, cervical or ovarian cancer at a single institution were included. Data on patient demographics, diagnosis, comorbidities, perioperative characteristics, use of thromboprophylaxis, and diagnosis of VTE were collected retrospectively.

Results

Of the 419 patients who underwent MIS for a gynecologic cancer, 352 (84%) received no VTE prophylaxis. At least a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (simple or radical) or pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in 95% of these patients. The median length of surgery was 137 min and 95% of patients were discharged home within 1 day of surgery. The rate of VTE in the 352 untreated patients was 0.57% (1 pulmonary embolism and 1 deep vein thrombosis). There were no VTE diagnosed within 30 days of surgery in the 67 patients who received anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis.

Conclusion

The rate of VTE is low in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for a gynecologic malignancy despite no VTE prophylaxis. The benefits of routine use of VTE prophylaxis in this population are questionable.     

Venous Thromboembolic Events in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery

The rate of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism among women undergoing gynecologic surgery is high, particularly for women with a gynecologic malignancy. Current guidelines recommend VTE thrombopropylaxis in the immediate postoperative period for patients undergoing open surgery. However, the VTE prophylaxis recommendations for women undergoing minimally invasive gynecologic surgery are not as well established. The risk of VTEs in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery appears to be low based on retrospective analyses. To date, there are no established guidelines that specifically provide a standard of care for patients undergoing minimally invasive gynecologic surgery for benign or malignant disease.     

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: patients at high risk to fail intermittent pneumatic compression

To identify patients who fail intermittent pneumatic compression and who might be considered for other more intense thromboembolic prophylaxis.We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive gynecologic surgery patients treated with intermittent pneumatic compression. Risk factors associated with thromboemboli and demographic data were reviewed. Clinical suspicion of thromboemboli was confirmed by established diagnostic techniques such as duplex Doppler ultrasound and ventilation perfusion scanning. The association between individual risk factors and the incidence of thromboemboli was identified. To control for confounding of variables, multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed.A total of 1862 patients undergoing gynecologic surgery between 1996 and 1997 were treated perioperatively with intermittent pneumatic compression. The overall incidence of postoperative thromboemboli was 1.3% (15 cases of clinically significant postoperative pulmonary emboli and nine deep venous thrombosis). Risk factors associated with the occurrence of thromboemboli were: cancer (P =.001), history of deep venous thrombosis (P =.03), hypertension (P =.05), use of antihypertensives (P =.04), and age at least 60 years (P =.002). Intraoperative risk factors included duration of anesthesia more than 3 hours (P =.05). The multivariable regression analysis found that the diagnosis of cancer (P =.001), history of deep venous thrombosis (P =.006), and age greater than 60 years (P =.04) were independent prognostic factors. Patients with two or three of these variables had a 3.2% incidence of developing thromboemboli as compared with a 0.6% incidence of thromboemboli if the patient had none or one risk factor.Patients most likely to fail intermittent pneumatic compression prophylaxis include those with cancer, a past history of deep venous thrombosis, or who are 60 years or older. This information identifies a "higher-risk" group of patients who should be considered for more intense prophylaxis programs.     

Prevention and Treatment of Thrombo-embolic Disease in Gynaecological Surgery

Objective: to identify pre-operative risk factors for venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) and to provide guidelines for risk assessment and for thrombo-prophylactic measures for VTE in women undergoing gynaecological surgery. Guidelines for diagnostic testing and for acute and long-term treatment of VTE are also provided.Options: low, moderate and high-risk groups of patients are defined and appropriate prophylactic measures are outlined. Alternative measures to low-dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH), for example low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), leg stockings, dextran 70 and acetylsalicylic acid are discussed. Alternative methods for acute treatment of VTE are also provided.Outcomes: venous thrombo-embolism remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality following gynaecological surgery. Adequate prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of VTE.Evidence: evidence was gathered using MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine) to identify pertinent studies and from bibliographies of articles thus identified.Recommendations: prophylactic measures for VTE decrease its incidence (Level 1 evidence). Based on risk assessment, more patients should be considered for prophylaxis (Grade A recommendation). The occurrence of VTE is effectively reduced by the use of LDUH and maybe more soby the use of LMWH (Level 1 evidence). For treatment of VTE, unfractionated heparin (UH) has been standard, although LMWH has now been proven to be at least as effective and safe (Level 1 evidence). Based on this evidence, LDUH or LMWH should be used in prophylaxis when feasible and UH or LMWH in treatment of VTE (Grade A recommendation). Following initial heparinization for treatment of VTE, patients should receive oral anticoagulation for at least three months (Grade A recommendation). Consideration could be given to extending prophylaxis beyond hospital discharge in high-risk patients.     

Preventable Surgical Harm in Gynecologic Oncology: Optimizing Quality and Patient Safety

Purpose of Review

Preventable medical adverse events are a leading cause of death in the USA. The most common adverse events include medication errors, perioperative complications, venous thromboembolism, infection, and readmission. Patients requiring care with a gynecologic oncologist are at increased risk for all of these adverse events, which are both clinically undesirable and now also represent targets for reduced hospital reimbursement. The goal of this review is to identify areas of preventable harm that occur in the perioperative period on a gynecologic oncology service and identify mechanisms to minimize harm.

Recent Findings

Recognizing that gynecologic oncology surgical patients often present with advanced age, medical comorbidities, obesity, and diagnoses requiring radical procedures involving multi-organ resection, they are particularly at risk for perioperative complications, some preventable. Recent studies have examined evidence-based methods for minimizing many areas of preventable harm in gynecologic oncology surgical patients. Multiple studies have implemented bundles of care to successfully decrease surgical site infections. New data on risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) specifically in gynecologic oncology patients guide recommendations for perioperative and extended VTE prophylaxis. Enhanced recovery after surgery programs explore a multitude of factors, many in a bundle format, to minimize overall perioperative complications and decrease length of stay. Additionally, new data are available on rates of hospital readmissions and risk factors for readmission.

Summary

There is already a wealth of information available regarding incidence of complications in gynecologic oncology surgical patients. Fortunately, there is a shift in the USA toward recognizing patient risk factors and implementing interventions to decrease the rate of preventable adverse events.

     

Variables associated with postoperative deep venous thrombosis: a prospective study of 411 gynecology patients and creation of a prognostic model

Deep venous thrombosis is a major complication following gynecologic surgery. Assessing a patient's risk of developing deep venous thrombosis is important for patient selection and in choosing appropriate prophylactic methods. Four hundred eleven patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery were evaluated prospectively. All known variables associated with deep venous thrombosis were recorded. Deep venous thrombosis was diagnosed by 125I fibrinogen leg counting of all patients. Univariate analysis of all variables identified the following to be significantly related (P less than .05) to postoperative deep venous thrombosis: a prior history of deep venous thrombosis, leg edema or venous stasis changes, venous varicosities, degree of preoperative ambulation, type of surgery, nonwhite race, recurrent malignancy, prior pelvic radiation therapy, age above 45 years, excessive body weight, intraoperative blood loss, and duration of anesthesia. A stepwise logistic regression analysis of these variables was performed. The following preoperative prognostic factors remained significant: type of surgery, age, leg edema, nonwhite patients, severity of venous varicosities, prior radiation therapy, and prior history of deep venous thrombosis. Duration of anesthesia was also important when intraoperative factors were considered in the analysis. Using these factors, a prognostic model was created and tested. The model resulted in a degree of concordance of 0.82 and allows one to evaluate the risks of postoperative deep venous thrombosis for an individual patient.     

Incidence and timing of venous thromboembolism after surgery for gynecological cancer

Objective

This study aims to determine the incidence, timing, and risk factors of clinical venous thromboembolism.

Methods

A cohort of patients who had major gynecologic cancer surgery between 1998 and 2008 was identified. Secondarily, a nested case-control design wherein patients who had clinical VTE within 90 days after surgery were considered cases. Controls were matched on age, race, surgery date, and cancer site. Risk factors were evaluated for VTE within 90 days, and late VTE between 8 and 90 days.

Results

We identified 4158 women, 18 years or older, without a history of recent thrombosis. We observed 126 cases of clinical VTE within 90 days of surgery (incidence 4%) of which 96 (76%) occurred after post-operative day 7. In a multivariable model including age, ASA, BMI, race, and site of cancer, only ovarian cancer was a significant predictor for VTE within 90 days (HR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6, 5.0).In the nested case-control study, we identified hospital stay ≥ 5 days (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.5, 5.1) and prior VTE (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.1, 6.1) as significant risk factors for VTE within 90 days. Only hospital stay ≥ 5 days (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.3, 4.7) was significantly associated with late VTE between 8 and 90 days.

Conclusion

In gynecologic cancer patients, over 75% of VTE are detected more than 7 days after surgery. Patients with ovarian cancer, prolonged hospitalization, or a history of VTE are at highest risk of developing clinical VTE. Such patients would be optimal candidates for clinical trials evaluating extended VTE prophylaxis.     

A randomized blinded study of the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in women after major gynecologic laparoscopic surgery

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in women undergoing major gynecologic laparoscopic surgery with an expected surgical duration exceeding 1 hour and anticipated overnight hospitalization. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: This study was set at a university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred forty female patients with an American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I or II and scheduled for gynecologic inpatient laparoscopic surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 mg granisetron (Group A, n=70), or saline solution (Group B, n=70) intravenously after induction of general anesthesia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The endpoints were evaluated by the following parameters: the incidence of PONV, episodes of nausea, retching, vomiting, rescue antiemetics, and complete response. Patients were closely observed for 24 hours after administration of the study drug. The two groups were generally well balanced in terms of demographic variables. The surgical period was longer in the granisetron group compared with the saline solution group. The total incidence of PONV was 41/70 (59%) in patients who underwent inpatient gynecologic laparoscopic surgery when no prophylactic antiemetic was given. Administration of granisetron decreased the incidence of PONV (29/70 [41%] vs 41/70 [59%], p<.05), the incidence of vomiting (18/70 [26%] vs 31/70 [44%], p<.05), and the proportions of patients requiring rescue antiemetics (14/70 [20%] vs 47/70 [67%], p<.01), but these results were not comparable to other studies. CONCLUSION: A long surgical period may have great impact on the PONV in women who undergo gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, which implies the need for skilled gynecologic laparoscopists.     

Wound infection in gynecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the wound infection rate among patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery at a single tertiary care center and to determine the predictive value of various factors that contribute to infection. We further investigated the adequacy of hospital records in documenting infection rates as well as the timing of presentation of wound infections. METHODS: The records of 115 patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery at our institution were reviewed. Patients were further subdivided based on route of surgery. We analyzed the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis, route of surgery, smoking, diabetes, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: The overall wound infection rate was 12.17% with no significant difference in the subgroups by route of surgery. Overall, antibiotic prophylaxis significantly decreased infection rates (P = 0.0118), but the route of surgery, BMI, smoking, and diabetes were not significant predictors of infection. Only one case of infection was detected during the initial hospital stay (6.1%). Fifty percent of the patients with infection required readmission, and of these 35.7% required an additional surgical procedure. The average length of hospital stay was 2.4 days longer in patients with infection. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic prophylaxis has a role in the management of patients undergoing abdominal gynecologic surgery. In today's environment of cost containment, an increased hospital stay and the added likelihood of additional surgical intervention associated with wound infection are important targets for prevention. Most patients with wound infection were diagnosed after discharge from the hospital. In our population, among whom transportation problems and remote residence are prevalent, strategies for infection surveillance should be integral to discharge planning.     

A comparison of thromboembolic prophylaxis in gynecologic oncology patients

Abstract. Ailawadi M, Del Priore G. A comparison of thromboembolic prophylaxis in gynecologic oncology patients.
The objective of this study was to compare two methods of thromboembolic prophylaxis: sequential compression devices alone (SCDs) vs. SCDs with subcutaneous low-dose unfractionated heparin (UH). A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 168 patients who had undergone surgery for suspected gynecological malignancies. These patients were examined for associated risk factors, method of prophylaxis, and incidence of clinically significant thromboembolic events. Of these patients, 94 (56%) received perioperative and postoperative sequential compression devices alone, while 74 (44%) received both SCDs and subcutaneous low-dose UH. The postoperative course of these patients, while in the hospital and after discharge, was followed for clinically evident thromboembolic complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. The two groups were comparable in terms of most risk factors, including age, stage, height, weight, body surface area, estimated blood loss, total anesthesia time, and nodal disease. Six of 94 patients (6.4%) in the SCDs group suffered from venous thromboembolism, while four of 74 patients (5.4%) who received both SCDs and low-dose UH had a thromboembolic event (χ² P = 0.79). There was no difference in postoperative changes in platelet counts between the two groups. Heparin added additional cost, 105 extra minutes of nursing time per patient per admission, and additional pain for the patient. In conclusion, the addition of subcutaneous low-dose unfractionated heparin to SCDs for prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis in women undergoing surgery for gynecologic malignancies does not improve the outcome. Adding heparin was more expensive, time consuming, and painful. Heparin should not be used with SCDs unless an additional benefit can be demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial.     

Management of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affects a significant number of patients undergoing ambulatory surgery, with important morbidity and cost implications. Patients undergoing gynecologic procedures are at particular risk for this problem. A majority of studies examining both gynecologic and nongynecologic surgical candidates suggest that some type of antiemetic prophylaxis may be useful in reducing the incidence of PONV, although the ideal regimen has yet to be determined.     

卵巢癌与宫颈癌合并血栓栓塞性疾病临床特点分析

目的:对比分析上皮性卵巢癌患者与宫颈鳞状细胞癌患者发生静脉血栓栓塞(VTE)的临床特征,分析其高危因素,为其临床预防及诊治提供参考。方法:回顾性分析我院收治的上皮性卵巢癌患者(n=147例)及宫颈鳞状细胞癌患者(n=149例)的临床资料,对比分析两组患者VTE发生临床特点的差异,尤其是化疗及围手术期对VTE发生的影响,单因素回归分析VTE发生的高危因素。结果:卵巢癌患者的VTE发生率高于宫颈癌患者(13.6%vs 7.4%,P=0.08),但无统计学意义。卵巢癌患者与宫颈癌患者VTE的发生具有不同特点,卵巢癌患者VTE多发生于初步诊断时(65% vs 9.1%,P=0.003),而宫颈癌患者VTE多发生于手术后(81.8%vs 25%,P=0.006)。两组患者新辅助化疗期间VTE发生率(10% vs 0%,P=0.53)以及术后辅助化疗期间VTE发生率(0%vs 9.1%,P=0.354)均无显著差异。多数患者合并的VTE均为下肢静脉血栓,仅1例卵巢癌患者发生肺栓塞。单因素分析发现卵巢癌患者绝经后状态(17.9% vs 5.8%,P=0.045)为VTE发生的高危因素。结论:卵巢癌患者与宫颈癌患者VTE发生特点存在显著差异。卵巢癌患者易自发发生VTE,宫颈癌患者VTE多于手术后发生。卵巢癌患者与宫颈癌患者合并VTE的总发病率无统计学差异。化疗不增加两组患者VTE的发生率。     

Validation of a venous thromboembolism risk assessment model in gynecologic oncology

Objectives

Gynecologic oncology patients undergoing surgery are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We attempted to validate a VTE risk assessment model in gynecologic oncology patients.

Methods

All gynecologic oncology patients who underwent a laparotomy for the diagnosis or suspicion of gynecologic malignancy from 2004 to 2010 were included. Demographic, surgicopathologic, and complication data were collected. VTE was based on the symptomatic diagnosis. Data for the Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) was used to score and stratify patients on their risk for VTE.

Results

1123 gynecologic oncology patients were included within this study. Ovarian cancer was the most common diagnosis (39%) with a median age of 56.1. All patients received SCDs with 40% receiving double prophylaxis. The overall incidence of VTE was 3.3%, with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) n = 17 and pulmonary embolism (PE) n = 20. Complication rates were similar in each group. Based on the Caprini scoring model 92% of patients scored in the “Highest Risk” category. The Caprini RAM accurately predicted all 37 VTEs, all of which scored in the “Highest Risk” category. The percentage of patients that received double prophylaxis increased with time from 12% in 2004 to 63% in 2010. Importantly, 25 of the 37 VTEs (68%) did not receive double prophylaxis.

Conclusions

The use of the Caprini RAM accurately predicted patients at the highest risk of experiencing VTE. Considering accurate identification of patients allows proper administration of double prophylaxis, we recommend the use of this scoring model preoperatively in patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic malignancies.     

Transfusion utilization during adnexal or peritoneal cancer surgery: effects on symptomatic venous thromboembolism and survival

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether perioperative packed red blood cell (PRBC) and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions during ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer surgery increase the risk of symptomatic postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) and adversely affect overall survival. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all cases of surgical exploration for resection of stage IIIC-IV adnexal/peritoneal cancer between November 1998 and May 2002 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Patients with a history of prior or active preoperative VTE were excluded. Routine intraoperative and postoperative VTE prophylaxis including lower extremity external pneumatic compression with or without postoperative subcutaneous heparin was utilized in all cases. Symptomatic postoperative VTE was diagnosed by lower extremity Doppler or computerized tomography (excluding cases with only ovarian vein thrombosis). Clinical parameters were examined by a logistic regression analysis to identify independent prognostic predictors of postoperative symptomatic VTE, which occurred within 30 days of surgery. Survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: In all, 174 patients underwent exploratory surgery, and 6 (3.4%) were excluded due to active or prior history of VTE. Of the remaining 168 patients, 71 (42%) received at least one perioperative transfusion of PRBC or FFP. Postoperative VTE was documented in 5 of 46 (11%) patients who received a postoperative transfusion compared to 3 of 122 (2.5%) patients who did not (P = 0.04; odds ratio, 4.8); moreover, VTE was noted in 3:16 (19%) patients who received postoperative FFP compared to 5:152 (3.3%) patients who did not (P = 0.01, odds ratio of 6.78). Age, stage, body mass index, length of the operation, blood loss, presence of ascites, volume of ascites, residual disease status, preoperative hemoglobin level and coagulation profile were not associated with increased risk for VTE. When survival results were stratified by transfusion utilization and controlling for optimal debulking status, perioperative transfusions had no apparent effect on overall survival. CONCLUSION: In women with stage IIIC-V disease, postoperative blood product transfusions particularly FFP were associated with increased risk of DVT and PE, but transfusions had no impact on overall survival.     

Venous thromboembolism prevention in gynecologic cancer surgery: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES: Advanced age, pelvic surgery, and the presence of malignancy place gynecologic oncology patients at high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). This study was designed to systematically analyze the world's literature on VTE in these patients and determine the optimal prophylaxis regimen. METHODS: Computerized searches of Pubmed, Ovid, DARE, ACP Journal Club, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry 1966-2005 were performed, as well as EMBASE 1980-2005. Major conferences and target references were hand-searched. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating VTE prophylaxis with heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and sequential compression devices (SCD). The search yielded 278 articles; 11 met inclusion criteria. Data were abstracted by one author and analyzed with the Mantel-Haenszel method. RESULTS: The analysis of heparin-versus-control revealed a significant decrease in DVT in patients receiving heparin (RR=0.58, 95% CI 0.35-0.95). There were no significant differences in EBL or transfusions between the two groups. In the 320 patients in the heparin vs. LMWH studies, there was no significant difference in DVT (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.38-2.17), although power analysis demonstrated insufficient numbers to show a difference. No patient in either group required re-exploration for bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: All gynecologic cancer patients should receive VTE prophylaxis. Although heparin, LMWH, and SCD have been shown to be safe and effective, due to the paucity of data in the gynecologic oncology literature, no one prevention modality can be considered superior at this time. Adequately powered RCTs are urgently needed to determine the optimal regimen in these high-risk patients.     

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates following the implementation of extended duration prophylaxis for patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic malignancies

ObjectiveTo compare the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) before and after the implementation of standardized extended duration prophylaxis guidelines in women undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic cancer.MethodsIn October 2009, departmental practice guidelines were implemented for VTE prevention. Patients undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic cancer were started on low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) within 24 h of surgery and it was continued for a total of 28 days postoperatively. The incidence of VTE diagnosed within 30 and 90 days of surgery was determined and compared to a historic cohort of patients who underwent surgery prior to implementation of the guidelines.ResultsThe incidence of VTE within 30 days of surgery decreased from 2.7% (8/300) to 0.6% (2/334) following implementation of VTE prevention guidelines (78% reduction, p = 0.040). However, when the pre and post-guideline implementation groups were compared for the development of VTE within 90 days of surgery, there was no significant difference (11/300 (3.7%) vs. 10/334 (3.0%) respectively, p = 0.619). The median time between surgery and VTE diagnosis was 12 days in the pre-guideline implementation group, compared with 57 days in the post-guideline implementation group (p = 0.012).ConclusionPatients receiving extended duration LMWH were found to have significantly lower rates of VTE within 30 days of surgery when compared with similar patients who did not receive extended duration LMWH. However, this effect was not sustained when the groups were compared for VTE diagnosis within 90 days of surgery. Additional study is needed to further reduce long-term VTE rates in this high-risk population.     

Beyond prophylaxis: Extended risk of venous thromboembolism following primary debulking surgery for ovarian cancer

Objective

To determine the incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) within six months after primary debulking surgery (PDS) for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM (VTE) IN OBSTETRICS

OBJECTIVE: to identify risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the peripartum period and to provide guidelines for risk assessment and thromboprophylactic measures for VTE in pregnant women. Guidelines for diagnostic testing and for acute and long term treatment of VTE are also provided.OPTIONS: specific subgroups of pregnant women are defined and appropriate prophylactic measures are outlined. OUTCOMES: venous thromboembolism remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Identification of risk and adequate prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of VTE.EVIDENCE: evidence was gathered using Medline (National Library of Medicine) to identify relevant studies and from bibliographies of articles thus identified.RECOMMENDATIONS: although evidence is lacking to date from Grade I studies (properly controlled randomized studies) in pregnant patients, there is good evidence to support the role of prophylaxis in reducing the incidence of VTE in patients identified to be at risk in the non-pregnant population (II B). Based on risk assessment more patients should be considered for thromboprophylaxis, including women with a past history of a VTE and a known thrombophilia on long-term anticoagulation, women with a past history of a VTE, women with a known thrombophilia who have never experienced a VTE and potentially considered in women at the time of Caesarean section (II B; III C). The occurrence of VTE is effectively reduced by the use of low dose unfractionated heparin. Experience with low molecular weight heparin and pregnancy is building, but is limited at present. Unfractionated heparin remains the standard for the treatment of VTE in pregnancy at the present time. Following initial heparinization for the treatment of VTE, patients should be continued on anticoagulation throughout pregnancy and for six to 12 weeks postpartum or a total of three months of anticoagulation (II A).