Practice patterns of VTE chemoprophylaxis after discharge following hepatic and pancreatic resections for cancer: A survey of hepatopancreatobiliary surgeons

Patients with hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) malignancies undergoing resection are prone to venous thromboembolism (VTE), and current guidelines recommend up to 28 days of chemoprophylaxis after major surgery. We sought to determine the practice patterns among HPB surgeons for use of chemoprophylaxis after discharge. A survey on VTE chemoprophylaxis after oncologic HPB operations was distributed to attending surgeons at the 18 HPB fellowship training programs in the United States and Canada. Of the HPB surgeons surveyed, 44 (44%) responded. VTE prophylaxis is used by 93% of respondants in the inpatient postoperative setting. Chemoprophylaxis after discharge for pancreaticoduodenenctomy and distal pancreatectomy is utilized by 45% and 39% of respondants, respectively. Of those who prescribe chemoprophylaxis after discharge, 79% and 88% prescribe it for the recommended 28 days after pancreaticoduodenectomy and distal pancreatectomy, respectively. Chemoprophylaxis after discharge for major and minor hepatectomy is utilized by 39% and 26% of respondents, respectively. Of those who prescribe chemoprophylaxis after discharge, 67% and 55% provide it for the recommended 28 days after major and minor hepatectomy, respectively. Despite documented prolonged postoperative thrombogenic risk, the use of chemoprophylaxis following discharge after pancreatic and liver resections for cancer was moderate among surveyed HPB surgeons.