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Thromboprophylaxis among A ustralasian colorectal surgeons
Author(s) -
Smart Philip,
Burbury Kate,
Lingaratnam Senthil,
Lynch A. Craig,
Mackay John,
Heriot Alexander
Publication year - 2013
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 - 10.1111/j.1445-2197.2012.06245.x
Subject(s) - medicine , guideline , colorectal cancer , ambulatory , colorectal surgery , medline , intensive care medicine , general surgery , family medicine , surgery , cancer , pathology , political science , law , abdominal surgery
Background Thromboembolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with colorectal cancer, but thromboprophylaxis ( TP ) is underutilized. Current guidelines do not make specific recommendations for colorectal cancer patients and provide minimal guidance for the ambulatory setting, although emerging evidence suggests TP may be warranted during chemoradiotherapy or in the extended post‐operative phase. A survey of A ustralasian colorectal surgeons was therefore performed to assess current TP practice and attitudes. Methods An online survey was sent to 204 surgeons who were members of the C olorectal S urgical S ociety of A ustralia and N ew Z ealand. Results One hundred twenty‐eight surgeons (63%) completed the survey. Most surgeons consult available guidelines, and where recommendations are made, current practice is in line with them. Lack of data, lack of ownership, logistical issues and an absence of guideline recommendations currently prevent surgeons from instituting TP in the neoadjuvant treatment period. Fifty‐four per cent of surgeons currently prescribe TP after hospital discharge; those that do not, cite logistical issues as the main constraint. Conclusion More data on thromboembolism risk during various treatment phases are required and should be promulgated in tumour‐specific guidelines. Logistical barriers to adopting TP in the ambulatory setting should be addressed.