Meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing the role of thromboprophylaxis after vascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well-known complication associated with surgical procedures. The implementation of thromboprophylaxis in this population has become a vital aspect of perioperative care to decrease VTE-associated morbidity and mortality risk. However, data assessing the role of thromboprophylaxis for patients undergoing vascular surgery are sparse. Assessing the role of thromboprophylaxis by low-molecular-weight heparin or unfractionated heparin in vascular surgery. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Collaboration Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception until December 2020, for randomized controlled trials assessing the role of thromboprophylaxis in vascular surgery. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria, including 3130 patients, with a mean age of 55.35 years and 45% were females. Compared with placebo, anticoagulant use was associated with a decrease in deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (risk ratio [RR], 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11-1.05; P = .06; I2 = 68%) and pulmonary embolism (PE) (RR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.02-1.22; P = .08; I2 = 41%), but this trend did not attain statistical significance. There was no difference for bleeding outcomes between anticoagulants and placebo (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.05-15.01; P = .94; I2 = 76%). There was no significant difference in outcomes when low-molecular-weight heparin was compared directly with unfractionated heparin. In a sensitivity analysis, anticoagulant use was associated with a significant decrease in DVT or PE in patients undergoing venous surgeries, but was not associated with a significant decrease in DVT or PE in patients undergoing arterial surgeries, although this analysis was limited by the small number of studies in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing vascular surgery, thromboprophylaxis with anticoagulants showed a trend toward a lesser incidence of VTE when compared with placebo, although this difference was not statistically significant. Bleeding outcomes were comparable between both treatment groups.

Duke Scholars

Author Chandler Alexander Long Surgery, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Author Thomas Lee Ortel Medicine, Hematology