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Bleeding after excision of breast lumps.
Xander R Bakker1, Rudi M H Roumen
1Department of General Surgery, St Joseph Hospital, Veldhoven, The Netherlands. xrbakker@planet.nl
The European Journal of Surgery = Acta Chirurgica
|December 5, 2002
Summary
Breast lump excision frequently causes bleeding complications, potentially linked to deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. Further research is needed to optimize timing and reduce risks for patients undergoing breast surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bleeding complications are common after breast lump excision.
- Heparin prophylaxis for thrombo-embolism may contribute to these complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of bleeding complications following breast lump excision.
- To explore the potential relationship between low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis and bleeding events.
- To assess the impact of surgery timing on bleeding complications.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 206 breast lump excisions in 186 patients between June 1997 and January 2000.
- All patients received low molecular weight heparin for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis.
- Bleeding complication rates were compared between patients operated on the day of admission versus the day after.
Main Results:
- A total of 23 bleeding complications (11%) were observed.
- Patients operated on the day of admission had a higher complication rate (13%) compared to those operated on the day after (7%), though not statistically significant (p=0.26).
- Smoking and antihypertensive medication use were more frequent in patients without bleeding complications.
Conclusions:
- Breast lumpectomy is associated with a considerable rate of bleeding complications.
- The timing of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis may influence the occurrence of bleeding post-lumpectomy.
- Further investigation into prophylaxis timing is warranted to mitigate surgical bleeding risks.