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Incidence of deep vein thrombosis after colorectal surgery in a Chinese population
Author(s) -
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
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1046/j.0004-8682.2001.02227.x
Subject(s) - medicine , asymptomatic , deep vein , surgery , thrombosis , incidence (geometry) , pulmonary embolism , colorectal cancer , rectum , thrombus , population , colorectal surgery , cancer , abdominal surgery , physics , environmental health , optics
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.