Perioperative venous thromboembolism in urologic oncology procedures, risk factors, and prevention.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication during the perioperative period for major urologic oncology operations. The present review focuses on the risk factors, the mechanisms of hypercoagulability in this patient population, and the timing and prevention of VTE. Although the vast majority of patients undergoing major urologic oncology operations do not develop VTEs, when they do develop they can be fatal. The risk factors for VTEs are important to identify in this patient population. The timing of VTE events are also essential to understanding their prevention. Prevention focused around the perioperative period is the best way to reduce fatal complications secondary to a VTE event. VTEs are common and can potentially be fatal. Prevention in high-risk patients during the most vulnerable perioperative time period should be the focus of clinical efforts to reduce VTE complications and the associated morbidity and mortality.