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Symptomatic venous thromboembolism in Chinese patients after gynecologic surgery: incidence and disease pattern

Louis Yik Si Chan1, Pong Mo Yuen, Wing Kit Lo

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. lyschan@netvigator.com

Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|April 16, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Thromboembolic disease is not rare in Chinese women after gynecologic surgery, challenging previous beliefs. This study found an incidence similar to Caucasian populations, suggesting under-diagnosis contributed to the misconception.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality in Caucasian populations.
  • It is commonly believed that VTE is rare in Chinese populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and characteristics of thromboembolic disease in Chinese women undergoing gynecologic surgery.
  • To challenge the prevailing notion of VTE rarity in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted from January 1998 to December 2000.
  • Medical records of women diagnosed with thromboembolic disease after gynecologic surgery were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Thirty-one cases of thromboembolic disease were identified in 6077 gynecologic surgeries, yielding an overall incidence of 5.10 per 1000 operations.
  • Deep vein thrombosis was most common (90% in calf veins), with two cases of pulmonary embolism.
  • Incidence increased significantly in 1999-2000 compared to 1998, following a maternal death from pulmonary embolism.

Conclusions:

  • Thromboembolic disease is not uncommon in Chinese women after gynecologic surgery.
  • The incidence appears similar to Caucasian populations, though with differing vascular occlusion sites.
  • Under-diagnosis may explain the historical belief in the rarity of VTE among Chinese patients.
Abstract

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