Outcome of extended VTE prophylaxis in women undergoing gynaecological surgery for suspected or confirmed malignancy — YRD
  1. Schedule
  2. Session 5
  3. Outcome of extended VTE prophylaxis in women undergoing gynaecological surgery for suspected or confirmed malignancy

Outcome of extended VTE prophylaxis in women undergoing gynaecological surgery for suspected or confirmed malignancy (2724)

Ahila Thiru 1 , Letitia Lancaster 1 , Kerry Hitos 1 , Alison Brand 1
  1. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia

Aims: To determine the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in gynae-oncology patients receiving extended LMWH prophylaxis, the complication rate and patient compliance.

Methods: A prospective cohort audit was conducted on women undergoing major gynaecological surgery for confirmed or suspected malignancy from July 2014 to April 2015, in whom 4 weeks VTE prophylaxis was planned. Patients were followed-up by telephone at 6 weeks and 3 months to determine VTE rate, complications and compliance.

Results: 92 patients entered the study. Three patients developed a VTE at 21, 28 and 83 days post-operatively, all of whom were compliant with VTE prophylaxis. There were no major postoperative bleeding complications secondary to extended VTE prophylaxis. Eighty-seven percent of patients completed extended VTE prophylaxis.

Conclusion: The introduction of extended LMWH prophylaxis reduced the VTE incidence to 2.2% at 6 weeks (previously 4%1), without increasing the risk of post-operative bleeding complications. Compliance with extended VTE prophylaxis was good.

  1. Sidhu V, Lancaster L, Elliott D, Brand A. Implementation and audit of ‘Fast-Track Surgery’ in gynaecological oncology surgery. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2012. 52 (4). 371- 376.