Abstract
Abstract Objectives D-dimer molecules are formed as a result of fibrinolysis and elevation of D-dimer levels are suggestive for thrombosis. The elevation of D-dimer levels and its correspondence with thromboembolism in orthopedic and general surgeries are well studied, but there are only a few studies in literature that investigates this issue in head and neck surgery. We aimed to investigate D-dimer levels and its course throughout the perioperative period in patients who underwent head and neck cancer surgery. Methods We conducted a prospective, observational study in patients who underwent neck dissection along with primary tumor resection in our otorhinolaryngology clinic between January 2022 and June 2023. D-dimer levels were measured from blood samples preoperatively and postoperatively days 0–7 and on postoperative 14th day. D-dimer levels were compared statistically. Results Twenty-one patients were included in the study. D-dimer values peaked on the first day then gradually decreased and reached a level slightly below 2 times of the preoperative values on the 14th day. The change in D-dimer levels between preoperative and postoperative days 1–14 was statistically significant. The difference between D-dimer levels measured on each day of the first week and levels on 14th day was found to be significant. Also, difference of D-Dimer levels between postoperative day 0 and day 7 was statistically significant. Conclusions The trend of D-Dimer levels following surgery in head and neck cancer patients may prove useful in clinical practice to rule out thrombotic events, in accordance with other risk factors and symptomatology.
Published Version
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