ASO Author Reflections: A Role for Extended VTE Prophylaxis After Neoadjuvant Therapy and Distal Pancreatectomy for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

Excerpt

Despite the mobilization of great resources, postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a clinical problem, with death from pulmonary embolism (PE) the most devastating consequence. Adherence to in-hospital chemoprophylaxis guidelines is excellent, yet the incidence of postoperative VTE persists, especially in the post-discharge setting.¹ Uptake of extended duration prophylaxis after complex cancer operations remains suboptimal despite well-established evidence of its safety and efficacy and guidelines from multiple organizations recommending its use.^2,3 While VTE is a complication that can affect any surgical patient, certain subgroups may be at additional risk because of the biology of their disease, the perioperative therapy received, and the operation undergone. …