Ann Surg Treat Res.  2014 Jan;86(1):22-27. 10.4174/astr.2014.86.1.22.

Low molecular-weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery: an experience from one Korean institute

• Choi SH
• Shim JH
• Park CH
• Song KY

• KMID: 2266902
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4174/astr.2014.86.1.22

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study evaluated the efficacy for preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) and adverse effects of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in order to launch a prospective clinical trial in Korea.
METHODS
We reviewed the medical records of 108 consecutive patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of thromboprophylaxis: group A, LMWH combined with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC); group B, IPC alone. The postoperative outcomes of the two groups were compared.
RESULTS
Symptomatic VTE was observed in only 1 patient (0.9%) from group B. Postoperative bleeding was more common in group A than in group B (10.9% vs. 7.5%), although the difference was not significant (P = 0.055). Most bleeding episodes were minor and managed conservatively without intervention. Only a high body mass index was associated with a significantly increased risk of postoperative bleeding (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.43; P = 0.051).
CONCLUSION
A 40 mg of enoxaparin sodium is a safe and feasible dose for prevention of VTE. With the results of this study, we are planning a prospective randomized clinical trial to investigate the clinical efficacy of LMWH thromboprophylaxis in gastric cancer patients in Korea.

Keyword

Feasibility; Low-molecular-weight heparin; Thromboembolism; Stomach cancer; Korea

MeSH Terms

Body Mass Index
Enoxaparin
Hemorrhage
Heparin*
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
Humans
Korea
Medical Records
Prospective Studies
Sodium
Stomach Neoplasms*
Thromboembolism
Venous Thromboembolism
Enoxaparin
Heparin
Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight
Sodium

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Computed tomography image revealed extensive deep vein thrombosis along the left iliac and femoral veins (A & B). An inferior vena cava filter was in serted (C & D).

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