Systematic review of thromboprophylaxis in colorectal surgery -- an update

The incidence of thromboembolism after colorectal surgery is higher than after general surgery. The aim of this paper is to update a systematic review addressing thrombosis prophylaxis in connection with colorectal surgery.

MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, abstract books and reference lists from reviews were searched without language restrictions for randomized controlled trials or clinical controlled trials comparing prophylactic interventions and/or placebo up til August 2003. Five hundred and fifty-eight studies were identified of which 19 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was done by at least two of the authors. Outcome was deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism diagnosed by various methods.

Any kind of heparin is better than no treatment or placebo (11 studies) with a Peto Odds ratio (POR) at 0.32 (95% CI 0.20-0.53). Unfractionated heparin and low molecular weight heparin (4 studies) were equally effective POR 1.01 (95% CI 0.67-1.52). The combination of graduated compression stockings and LMWH is better than LMWH alone (2 studies) with a POR at 4.17 (95% CI 1.37-12.70).

The optimal thromboprophylaxis in colorectal surgery is the combination of graduated compression stockings and low-dose unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin.