Incidence of deep vein thrombosis after colorectal surgery in a Chinese population

Introduction:  Contemporary studies indicate that the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is increasing in the Asian population. The present study aims to evaluate the incidence of postoperative DVT in Chinese patients undergoing surgery for colorectal ­malignancies. Methods:  Fifty‐one consecut...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ANZ journal of surgery 2001-11, Vol.71 (11), p.637-640
Main Authors: Lee, Fung Yee, Chu, Winnie, Chan, Ricky, Leung, Yee Fong, Liu, Kin Hung, Ng, Siu Man, Lai, Paul B. S., Metreweli, Constantine, Lau, Wan Yee
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age Factors
Chinese
Colorectal Neoplasms - surgery
colorectal surgery
deep vein thrombosis
Female
Hong Kong - epidemiology
Humans
Incidence
Leg - blood supply
Male
Middle Aged
Postoperative Complications - epidemiology
Risk Factors
Smoking - epidemiology
Ultrasonography
Venous Thrombosis - diagnostic imaging
Venous Thrombosis - epidemiology
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Summary:Introduction:  Contemporary studies indicate that the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is increasing in the Asian population. The present study aims to evaluate the incidence of postoperative DVT in Chinese patients undergoing surgery for colorectal ­malignancies. Methods:  Fifty‐one consecutive patients with carcinoma of the rectum or sigmoid colon scheduled for resection were included in the study. None of the study subjects were given any form of DVT prophylaxis. Serial duplex ultrasound of both lower limbs were examined in the preoperative and postoperative periods. Results:  Three patients were excluded from the study because of the presence of DVT noted preoperatively. A total of 20/48 (41.7%) patients developed asymptomatic calf vein thrombosis. One out of 20 patients required anticoagulation because of thrombus propagation. None of the subjects showed signs or symptoms of DVT or pulmonary embolism. A total of 7/20 thrombi resolved completely at 4 weeks after operation. Only old age and smoking were identified as being associated with a higher incidence of DVT. Disseminated disease, type of operation, duration of operation and postoperative complications did not appear to be risk factors for DVT. Conclusion:  A high incidence of asymptomatic calf vein thrombosis occurred after colorectal surgery for malignancies in Chinese. The majority did not progress even without anticoagulation.
ISSN:1445-1433
1445-2197
DOI:10.1046/j.0004-8682.2001.02227.x