Venous Thromboembolic Complications in Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal patients who undergo radical surgery are vulnerable to the development of a venous thromboembolism (VTE). A VTE and a pulmonary embolism (PE) can result in chronic leg swell-ing, ulceration, and discomfort (postthrombotic syndrome), or even death [1]. A number of factors that increase the risk of a postoperative VTE have been identified. In addition to the surgi-cal procedure itself, these include a history of previous VTE, can-cer, inflammatory bowel disease, thrombophilia, old age, obesity, smoking, acute illness, wound infection, and prolonged immobi-lization [2-4]. Therefore, interest exists in better characterizing the specific risk factors for a VET, especially a PE, in patients under-going colorectal surgery. This could help determine strategies for preventing a VTE, as well as PE, in this complex patient popula-tion. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the optimal dura-tion of prophylaxis, patient selection, and the real effect of VT