In a nutshell
This study investigated the risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE; a blood clot in a vein) after hospital discharge following colorectal surgery. Researchers suggested that the length of hospitalization after surgery is associated with post-discharge VTE.
Some background
It is estimated that 31% of hospitalized patients are at risk of VTE, and that 5-10% of hospital deaths are associated with thromboembolic events. However, there is also a risk of developing VTE after hospital discharge. It has been reported that 29.3% of VTEs after colorectal surgery occur after hospital discharge. It is important to identify high risk patients as an attempt to decrease mortality of these patients.
Methods & findings
The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for post-discharge VTE in patients who underwent colorectal surgery.
This study included information about 4556 patients who experienced VTE after colorectal surgery. 1541 (33.8%) of the VTE events occurred after hospital discharge.
Patients who were hospitalized for more than 1 week were 9.08 times more at risk of experiencing a post-discharge VTE.
Chronic steroid use increased the risk of VTE by 81%. Patients with stage 4 cancer had a 40% increase in risk. Patient who were obese had a 37% increase in the risk of VTE, and patients who were older than 70 had a 21% increase. Open surgery (one large incision) increased the risk of VTE by 36%.
Patients who were hospitalized for more than 1 week after an open surgery were 12.34 times more at risk when compared to patients hospitalized for 4 days after a laparoscopic (multiple small incisions) surgery.
The bottom line
This study determined that the length of hospital stay had a significant effect on VTE risk. The study suggested that high-risk patients may benefit from continued treatment to prevent VTE after their hospital discharge.
Published By :
World Journal of Surgery
Date :
Jan 11, 2016
