Elevated plasma D-dimer as a predictor of postoperative complications after radical cystectomy

Detailed preoperative evaluation is essential in prevention of perioperative complications. As thorough anamnesis, physical examination and standard laboratory investigation do not contribute much in prediction of perioperative complications and outcome, and detection of tumor markers is also insufficient in means of prognosis, some molecular marker have emerged lately as prognostic markers in surgery. Recent data on pathophysiological processes stress response, derangements of hemostasis, in sepsis or in thromboembolism as well as in malignancy, indicate that presence or elevation of some molecular markers of fibrinolysis can indicate possibility of perioperative complications and even predict outcome. As it is evident that neoplastic cells enhance thrombin and other procoagulant production, detection of degree of activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis can contribute in prediction of treatment outcome in patients with bladder carcinoma scheduled for radical surgical procedures.