Pelvic Cancer Surgery Research Articles

Risk of port-site metastases in pelvic cancers after robotic surgery

ObjectiveTo assess the risk of occurrence of port-site metastases after robotic surgery for pelvic cancer. MethodsRetrospective study from June 2007 to March 2013 of patients with gynecologic cancer who underwent robot-assisted surgery. We collected preoperative data, including characteristics of patients and FIGO stage, intraoperative data (surgery performed, number of ports), and postoperative data (occurrence of metastases, occurrence of port-site metastases). Results115 patients were included in the study: 61 with endometrial cancer, 50 with cervical cancer and 4 with ovarian cancer. The surgical procedures performed were: hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, radical hysterectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, para-aortic lymphadenectomy and omentectomy. All surgical procedures required the introduction of 4 ports, 3 for the robot and 1 for the assistant. With a mean follow-up of 504.4 days (507.7 days for endometrial cancer, 479.5 days for cervical cancer, and 511.3 for ovarian cancer), we observed 9 recurrences but no port-site metastasis. ConclusionNo port-site metastasis has occurred in our series. However, larger, prospective and randomized works are needed to formally conclude.

Penile rehabilitation after pelvic cancer surgery.

Erectile dysfunction is the most common complication after pelvic radical surgery. Rehabilitation programs are increasingly being used in clinical practice but there is no high level of evidence supporting its efficacy. The principle of early penile rehabilitation stems from animal studies showing early histological and molecular changes associated with penile corporal hypoxia after cavernous nerve injury. The concept of early penile rehabilitation was developed in late nineties with a subsequent number of clinical studies supporting early pharmacologic penile rehabilitation. These studies included all available phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernosal injection and intraurethral use of prostaglandin E1 and to lesser extent vacuum erectile devices. However, these studies are of small number, difficult to interpret, and often with no control group. Furthermore, no studies have proven an in vivo derangement of endothelial or smooth muscle cell metabolism secondary to a prolonged flaccid state. The purpose of the present report is a synthetic overview of the literature in order to analyze the concept and the rationale of rehabilitation program of erectile dysfunction following radical pelvic surgery and the evidence of such programs in clinical practice. Emphasis will be placed on penile rehabilitation programs after radical cystoprostatectomy, radical prostatectomy, and rectal cancer treatment. Future perspectives are also analyzed.

Editorial comment.

One Size May Not Fit All Is Extended Pharmacologic Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Uniformly Safe After Radical Cystectomy?UrologyVol. 84Issue 5PreviewTo quantitate the risk of clinically significant renal function deterioration after radical cystectomy (RC), which could result in supratherapeutic levels of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and increased risk of bleeding events with the use of extended pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (EPVTEP) after hospital discharge. Full-Text PDF ReplyUrologyVol. 84Issue 5PreviewDeep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism are the major and potentially lethal complications of abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery. A noteworthy proportion of symptomatic venous thromboembolic events occur after hospital discharge. Appropriately, national guidelines recommend the use of extended pharmacologic venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (EPVTEP) for 4-week duration after pelvic surgery, including radical cystectomy. Nevertheless, such recommendations may not be appropriate for all patients. Full-Text PDF

Stapled anopexy: An effective treatment for symptomatic haemorrhoidal disease – A district general hospital experience

Stapled anopexy: An effective treatment for symptomatic haemorrhoidal disease – A district general hospital experience

Erectile dysfunction and faecal incontinence after pelvic rectal cancer surgery

Erectile dysfunction and faecal incontinence after pelvic rectal cancer surgery

Adherence With Postdischarge Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis Recommendations After Colorectal Cancer Surgery Among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries

To assess national adherence with extended venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis guideline recommendations after colorectal cancer surgery. Postoperative VTE remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after abdominal cancer surgery. On the basis of the results from randomized controlled trials, since 2007, national guidelines have suggested that these patients be discharged on VTE chemoprophylaxis. Medicare beneficiaries undergoing open colorectal cancer resections in 2008-2009 were identified using the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review data and limited to those who were enrolled and used Part D for their postoperative prescriptions. Postdischarge use of low-molecular-weight-heparin and other anticoagulants was assessed. A total of 5078 patients underwent open colorectal cancer surgery and met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 77% underwent colectomy and 23% underwent proctectomy. A prescription for an anticoagulant was filled immediately after discharge for 77 (1.5%) patients, and a low-molecular-weight-heparin for 60 (1.2%) patients. On multivariable analysis, patients were more likely to receive postdischarge VTE chemoprophylaxis if undergoing rectal cancer surgery [incidence rate ratio (IRR), 1.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.12; vs colon], if higher educational status (IRR, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-3.95; vs low education), or if they had a higher Elixhauser comorbidity index (IRR, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.25; vs lower index). Although VTE remains a major issue after abdominal cancer surgery, only 1.5% of Medicare beneficiaries undergoing colorectal cancer surgery received care consistent with established guidelines for postdischarge VTE chemoprophylaxis. Barriers to adherence must be elucidated to improve the quality of care for abdominal and pelvic cancer surgery patients.

Assessment of bowel disorders following radial cystectomy and urinary diversion for muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

347 Background: Articles reporting and specifying bowel disorders after radical cystectomy as long-term complications are sparse. However, numerous patients report on bowel function alteration and/or defecation disorders or even stool incontinence. For better qualification and quantification we present our data of a large cohort of patients evaluated with a newly developed questionnaire. Methods: For this purpose a novel non validated questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was sent to 253 patients who had been treated with radical cystectomy between 2006 and 2012 to assess possible changes in bowel function and its impact on health related quality of life. Of those, 89 patients reported on their current status. Questions were related to their overall satisfaction as well as to their quality and severity of bowel disorders following pelvic surgery for bladder cancer. Results: In total 40 (44.9%) patients reported of a persistent change in bowel function after surgery. Most frequent were constipation (28.9%), diarrhea (18.4%) or both (21.1%) followed by flatulence (31.6%). Patients who experienced bowel function alteration but who are still satisfied reported predominantly of constipation (35.3%) and flatulence (41.2%) but not diarrhea. Twenty-three (25.8%) patients are currently not satisfied with their bowel function. Of those, 82.6% complaint about frequent flatulence, 75% report on softer stools, 65.2% have irritable bowel symptoms, 26.1% experience faecal incontinence and 73.9% are affected by serious life restrictions due to bowel disorder. Defecation frequency increased significantly (p<0.001). There is a significant reduction in life quality (p=0.004), medical condition (p=0.008) and energy level (p=0.035). A significant correlation could be found for higher T-stage (p<0.05) and positive lymph nodes (p<0.03). No differences could be observed between patients who received ileal-conduit vs. orthotopic neobladder or MAINZ I pouch urinary diversion. Conclusions: Long-term bowel disorders after cystectomy are an underestimated issue. A better understanding might lead to modifications of surgical procedures.

Preoperative body mass index, 30-day postoperative morbidity, length of stay and quality of life in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery for recurrent and locally-advanced rectal cancer.

PurposeMalnutrition is associated with an increased risk of developing complications following gastrointestinal surgery, especially following radical surgeries such as pelvic exenteration. This study aims to determine if preoperative body mass index (BMI) is associated with 30-day morbidity, length of hospital stay and/or quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery for recurrent and locally-advanced rectal cancer prior to a prospective trial.MethodsA review of all patients who underwent pelvic exenteration surgery prior to 2008 was performed. Patients were included if they had a documented BMI as well as a QoL measurement (Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy - Colorectal questionnaire).ResultsThirty-one patients, with a mean age of 56 years, had preoperative height and weight data, as well as measures of postoperative QoL, and formed the study group. The numbers of patients with recurrent (n = 17) or locally-advanced rectal cancer (n = 14) were similar. The mean length of stay was 21 days while the mean BMI of the patients was 24.3 (± 5.9) kg/m2. The majority of the patients were either of normal weight (n = 15) or overweight/obese (n = 11). The average length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients who were underweight compared to those who were of normal weight (F = 6.508, P = 0.006) and those who were overweight and obese (F = 6.508, P = 0.007).ConclusionThis study suggests that a lower body mass index preoperatively is associated with a longer length of hospital stay. BMI is not associated with long-term QoL in this patient group. However, further prospective research is required.

Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancer – A real-world, prospective, observational French study: PRéOBS

IntroductionData on the epidemiology and prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery in real practice are limited. The primary objective of this observational study was to describe the thromboprophylactic strategy implemented in routine practice. The main secondary objective was to assess the incidence of outcomes. Materials and MethodsPatients admitted to public or private hospitals for abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery were included between November 2009 and November 2010; endoscopic route for surgery was the only exclusion criterion. Study outcomes were recorded at hospital discharge and at routine follow-up (generally 9±3weeks). Results2380 patients (mean±SD age: 66.4±11.6years, women: 36.8%) admitted to hospital for abdominal (47.8%), urological (41%), or gynaecological (11.2%) cancer surgery were included in the analysis. Of these, 2179 had data available at study end. Perioperative antithrombotic prophylaxis, consisting mainly of low-molecular-weight heparin, was given to 99.5% of patients. At hospital discharge, thromboprophylaxis was continued in 91.7% of patients, 57.4% receiving a 4-6week prophylaxis. This management strategy was associated with an overall venous thromboembolic event rate of 1.9%, 34.7% of events occurring after discharge. Incidences of fatal bleeding, bleeding in a critical organ and bleeding necessitating re-intervention were 0.1%, 0.3% and 1.7%, respectively. Overall mortality was 1.5%. ConclusionsThromboprophylaxis is routinely used in French patients undergoing major cancer surgery. For more than a third of patients, however, treatment duration did not comply with best-practice recommendations, which might explain the non-negligible rate of thromboembolic complications still observed in this patient population.

Symptom Distress in Older Adults Following Cancer Surgery

Symptom distress remains a significant health problem among older adults with cancer following surgery. Understanding factors influencing older adults' symptom distress may lead to early identification and interventions, decreasing morbidity and improving outcomes. We conducted this study to identify factors associated with symptom distress following surgery among 326 community-residing patients 65 years or older with a diagnosis of thoracic, digestive, gynecologic, and genitourinary cancers. This secondary analysis used combined subsets of data from 5 nurse-directed intervention clinical trials targeting patients after surgery at academic cancer centers in northwest and northeastern United States. Symptom distress was assessed by the Symptom Distress Scale at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. A multivariable analysis, using generalized estimating equations, showed that symptom distress was significantly less at 3 and 6 months (3 months: P < .001, 6 months: P = .002) than at baseline while controlling for demographic, biologic, psychological, treatment, and function covariates. Thoracic cancer, comorbidities, worse mental health, and decreased function were, on average, associated with increased symptom distress (all P < .05). Participants 75 years or older reported increased symptom distress over time compared with those aged 65 to 69 years (P < .05). Age, type of cancer, comorbidities, mental health, and function may influence older adults' symptom distress following cancer surgery. Older adults generally experience decreasing symptom distress after thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic cancer surgery. Symptom management over time for those with thoracic cancer, comorbidities, those with worse mental health, those with decreased function, and those 75 years or older may prevent morbidity and improve outcomes of older adults following surgery.

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in women who have undergone exenterative pelvic surgery for treatment of gynecologic malignancy

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of clinically significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 1 or more years after exenterative pelvic surgery for gynecologic cancer.

Preoperative and postoperative nutritional status of patients following pelvic exenteration surgery for rectal cancer

summary Background and aims: Malnutrition is prevalent in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, however, has not been investigated in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery. This prospective observational study aimed to determine the nutritional status of patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery between September 2009 and November 2011 were recruited. Nutrition assessment was performed using validated measures including subjective global assessment. Identical nutritional measurements were taken preoperatively and at the time of discharge from hospital. A phone review was conducted one month after discharge. Results: Eighty eight patients were recruited to the study. The prevalence of malnutrition as determined by the subjective global assessment was 24% on admission and 51% at the time of discharge. Percentage weight change significantly deteriorated during their admission and continued after discharge. Preoperative BMI was the only significant factor in predicting percent weight loss at both discharge and one month after discharge. Conclusions: The majority of patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery for rectal cancer are well nourished on admission however their nutritional status significantly deteriorates during their hospital stay and in the early postdischarge period. Nutritional interventional are needed pre and postoperatively to improve outcomes for these patients.

Effectiveness of Standardized Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis Order Sets in Patients Undergoing Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery for Cancer

AbstractAbstract 4248 Background:In our tertiary academic medical center, standardized pre-printed physician order sets were implemented in 2008 for inpatient venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk stratification and prophylaxis on the day of admission. Electronic medical records were not utilized during the study period. Recommendations for pharmacologic prophylaxis were derived from the 2008 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines. Patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancer were specifically identified in the highest risk category with enoxaparin, fondaparinux, or warfarin (goal INR 2–3) provided as options for pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis. Sequential compression devices (SCDs) were also recommended. This retrospective analysis evaluates adherence to risk stratification and recommendations for pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis in patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancer. Methods:Using the hospital administrative database, all patients ≥ 18 years hospitalized between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 were identified by ICD-9 codes for cancer and surgery performed. Patients undergoing an abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancer lasting >45 minutes were included. Exclusion criteria were age >90 years, patients requiring therapeutic anticoagulation, length of hospitalization <24 hours or >30 days, transplant recipients, patients requiring multiple visits to the operating room during hospitalization, laparoscopic or transurethral procedures, and esophagectomy. Primary outcomes included adherence to order set risk stratification and pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis recommendations, and timing, type, and dose of pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis prescribed. Chart review of physician orders for mechanical and pharmacologic prophylaxis for each day of hospitalization was completed on all patients. Operative reports, medication administration records, and progress notes were reviewed if clarification of physician orders was required. Administration of the prescribed medication during hospitalization was not verified. Results:A total of 773 hospital admissions representing 767 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean length of hospitalization was 7 +/− 5 days during the study period. The mean age was 62 +/− 12 years and 51% were female. Pharmacologic prophylaxis was prescribed 5645 of 6147 patient days (91.8%). Enoxaparin was prescribed 630 (9.8%) patient days, and fondaparinux in 15 patient days (0.002%). Although not indicated as an option for this patient population in our order set, low dose unfractionated heparin (LDUH) was prescribed 4991 (81.2%) of the patient days and was to be dosed every 8 hours (80%) or every 12 hours (19.8%). Warfarin was not prescribed. Mechanical thromboprophylaxis with SCDs was ordered 93.7% of the patient encounters on the day of surgery.The standardized pre-printed physician order set was utilized for prescribing prophylaxis at the time of admission for 630 (82.1%) patient encounters. Clinicians risk stratified only 350 (45.3%) of these patient encounters per the order set guidelines. Of those, 131 (37.4%) were appropriately deemed high risk based upon “abdominal/pelvic cancer undergoing operative procedure”. In the high risk group, LDUH was prescribed in 90 (68.7%) patient encounters, and enoxaparin as recommended in 30 (22.9%). Eleven (8.4%) were not prescribed pharmacologic prophylaxis on the day of admission. Conclusion:Completion of standardized pre-printed physician order sets with appropriate risk stratification in patients undergoing major, open abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancer is underutilized in our institution. Although pharmacologic prophylaxis is prescribed for the majority of inpatient days, LDUH is primarily ordered despite preferred recommendations in favor of enoxaparin or fondaparinux. Thus, an opportunity exists to implement an educational intervention to improve adherence to evidence based order set risk stratification and pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis recommendations. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Long term disease-free survival in elderly patients following concurrent chemoradiotherapy for localized esophageal cancer

experience a typical post-operative pattern of decreasing symptom distress over the 6-month period following thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic cancer surgery regardless of presence or absence of adjuvant treatment. The findings also suggest that some older adults are at risk for increased symptom distress beginning in the post-operative period and extending through 6 months. Those at risk for increased symptom distress include individuals diagnosed with thoracic or digestive cancers. At 6 months after surgery, individuals aged 75 and over also may be at risk for greater symptom distress than their younger counterparts. Clinical implications include increasing the frequency of symptom assessment to anticipate and prevent complications for individuals 75 and over or individuals with thoracic or colorectal cancers. This abstract will be presented at 2012 Council for Advancement of Nursing Science State of the Science Meeting.

Diagnostic accuracy and value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in planning exenterative pelvic surgery for advanced colorectal cancer

PurposeTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in detecting colorectal tumour invasion according to seven intrapelvic compartments for planning exenterative pelvic surgery. MethodSixty-three consecutive patients underwent preoperative MRI planning for exenterative surgery, defined as operative excision beyond conventional mesenteric planes for locally advanced (n=23) and recurrent (n=41) pelvic colorectal cancer. The institutional research committee approved of the study and waived the need for a consent form as the images were retrospectively assessed. Two radiologists reported tumour invasion for each of seven anatomic surgical resection compartments, blinded to histopathology and the intraoperative findings. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated for the seven intrapelvic compartments. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate the risk of death and recurrence. Overall interobserver agreement was assessed using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (k). ResultsThe sensitivity of MRI was ⩾93.3% in all but the lateral compartment where it was 89.3%. Specificity for the posterior (82.2%) and anterior compartments below the peritoneal reflection (86.4%) was lower compared to the other compartments. Agreement between the two radiologists was found to be good or very good for all compartments (k>0.72). An MRI diagnosis of tumour invasion in the anterior compartment above the peritoneal reflection was associated with a poorer survival (p=0.012). ConclusionMRI is accurate in predicting the extent of colorectal tumour within the pelvis and therefore can be used to determine the type of surgery required for curative resection. It should always be used to stage patients with advanced colorectal pelvic cancer.

Should we follow the 9th ACCP guidelines for VTE prevention in surgical patients?

The 9th edition of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) guidelines on antithrombotic therapy and prevention, includes relevant changes compared to previous versions. In the 9th ACCP, leadership of most chapters was given to methodologists who were familiar with the GRADE methodology. All topic panelists underwent a selection process paying particular attention to their financial and intellectual conflicts of interests. In the 9th ACCP guidelines, evidence has been explicitly presented in many evidence profiles and summary of evidence tables.In order to get a more balanced trade-off between desirable and undesirable effects of the alternative prevention and therapeutic interventions, there has been an increased emphasis on clinically relevant events, as opposed to previous surrogate asymptomatic outcomes. In addition, there has been a systematic review and survey on patient values and preferences for thrombotic and bleeding outcomes. As a result of the above changes, the strength of most recommendations has been downgraded compared to previous editions.The main changes regarding prevention on nonorthopedic surgical patients include the adoption of two risk assessment models. The only recommendation that has been upgraded is to extend prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) for four weeks after abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery. A controversial modification in orthopedic patients is recommendation in favor of the use of aspirin after hip or knee arthroplasty. New oral anticoagulants are recommended, but LMWH are suggested as the preferred option. Extending pharmacological prophylaxis for up to 35days rather than 10–14days is now suggested for patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

42 SEXUAL FUNCTION IN WOMEN AFTER PELVIC SURGERY FOR GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER

Introduction: Pelvic surgery for gynecological cancer can affect sexuality through a number of anatomical, physiological and psychosocial mechanisms. Studies evaluating sexual function after gynaecological cancer are characterized by heterogeneity in terms of disease stage, treatment modality, time of follow-up and used methodology. This implies that comparison between different studies is extremely difficult. Aim: We aim to prospectively examine the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions, psychological and relational functioning in women after surgical treatment for gynaecological cancer. Methods: Since 2006 we longitudinally assess sexual well-being after treatment of gynaecological cancer. Women who underwent pelvic surgery in the Gynaecological Oncology Unit completed questionnaires evaluating psychological functioning (WHO five well-being Questionnaire, BDI-II), marital satisfaction (DAS) and sexual functioning (SSFS and an in-house Specific Sexual Problems Questionnaire) before surgery and 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after treatment. Results: Preliminary results show that although psychological adjustment seems to be satisfactory, women with gynaecological cancer report a significant lower marital consensus and expression of emotions one year after treatment. Significantly more women report problems with arousal, intensity of orgasm and dyspareunia compared to the situation before surgery. Conclusion: Preliminary results of a prospective study on sexual wellbeing in gynaecological cancer patients show that although psychological adjustment seems to be satisfactory after surgical treatment, women seem to be at risk for relational and sexual dysfunctions.

What Happens to Racial and Ethnic Minorities after Cancer Surgery at American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Hospitals?

Inadequate access has contributed to widespread racial disparities in cancer care in the United States. However, the outcomes for racial minorities at quality-seeking hospitals, such as those participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP), remain unknown. We hypothesized that operative outcomes for racial and ethnic minority patients after cancer surgery at ACS NSQIP hospitals are comparable with those for white patients. Using the 2005-2008 ACS NSQIP data, we identified 38,926 patients who underwent thoracic, abdominal, or pelvic cancer surgery. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between race and ethnicity and short-term (30-day) operative outcomes after cancer surgery. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the relationship remained consistent after stratification by procedure. Nonwhite patients constituted 16.9% of patients treated for cancer surgery in ACS NSQIP hospitals. Although nonwhite patients were more likely to have higher levels of comorbidities and undergo more complex resections (p < 0.05 for all), multivariate analyses demonstrated that these patients were as likely as white patients to have adverse short-term operative outcomes develop after cancer surgery. These results persisted after stratification by extent of surgical procedure. However, black, Hispanic, and American-Indian/Alaskan-Native patients were more likely to experience prolonged length of stay (odds ratio for black vs white patients = 1.33; p < 0.001). Racial and ethnic minority patients who undergo their cancer surgery at ACS NSQIP hospitals have short-term operative outcomes similar to white patients, but they remain hospitalized longer. These findings suggest that access to quality-driven hospitals might ameliorate racial disparities in cancer care and outcomes. Future policies should focus on expanding access to quality-driven surgical facilities as a step toward timely and optimal cancer care.

Prevention of VTE in Nonorthopedic Surgical Patients: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines

VTE is a common cause of preventable death in surgical patients.We developed recommendations for thromboprophylaxis in nonorthopedic surgical patients by using systematic methods as described in Methodology for the Development of Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis Guidelines. Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines in this supplement.We describe several alternatives for stratifying the risk of VTE in general and abdominal-pelvic surgical patients. When the risk for VTE is very low (< 0.5%), we recommend that no specific pharmacologic (Grade 1B) or mechanical (Grade 2C) prophylaxis be used other than early ambulation. For patients at low risk for VTE (∼1.5%), we suggest mechanical prophylaxis, preferably with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), over no prophylaxis (Grade 2C). For patients at moderate risk for VTE (∼3%) who are not at high risk for major bleeding complications, we suggest low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) (Grade 2B), low-dose unfractionated heparin (Grade 2B), or mechanical prophylaxis with IPC (Grade 2C) over no prophylaxis. For patients at high risk for VTE (∼6%) who are not at high risk for major bleeding complications, we recommend pharmacologic prophylaxis with LMWH (Grade 1B) or low-dose unfractionated heparin (Grade 1B) over no prophylaxis. In these patients, we suggest adding mechanical prophylaxis with elastic stockings or IPC to pharmacologic prophylaxis (Grade 2C). For patients at high risk for VTE undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancer, we recommend extended-duration, postoperative, pharmacologic prophylaxis (4 weeks) with LMWH over limited-duration prophylaxis (Grade 1B). For patients at moderate to high risk for VTE who are at high risk for major bleeding complications or those in whom the consequences of bleeding are believed to be particularly severe, we suggest use of mechanical prophylaxis, preferably with IPC, over no prophylaxis until the risk of bleeding diminishes and pharmacologic prophylaxis may be initiated (Grade 2C). For patients in all risk groups, we suggest that an inferior vena cava filter not be used for primary VTE prevention (Grade 2C) and that surveillance with venous compression ultrasonography should not be performed (Grade 2C). We developed similar recommendations for other nonorthopedic surgical populations.Optimal thromboprophylaxis in nonorthopedic surgical patients will consider the risks of VTE and bleeding complications as well as the values and preferences of individual patients.

Urinary, anorectal and sexual assessment after pelvic cancer surgery

Urinary, anorectal and sexual assessment after pelvic cancer surgery