Incidence of venous thromboembolism in post-operative gynecologic patients at Srinagarind Hospital

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after gynecologic surgery shows high mortality rate but has not been yet extensively investigated in Thailand. The authors aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of VTE in post-operative benign gynecologic patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in all gynecologic surgeries for benign indications between 2014 and 2018 at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand. Individual patient’s characteristics were reviewed based on information from the electronic medical record system and outpatient medical records to detect venous thromboembolism that occurred from the post-operative admission period until follow up with a scheduled visit to the health care providers at 30 days after surgery. The study included 2,678 patients. Post-operative venous thromboembolisms were detected in only 2 patients (one being alive, the other died of a VTE-related problem). Incidence proportion of post-operative venous thromboembolism was 0.07% (95% CI, 0.009-0.26) leading to the incidence rate of 15 per 100,000 person-year (95% CI, 2-52). There was no significant risk factor identified due to low event rate. Post-operative venous thromboembolism appeared rare in benign gynecologic patients, but showed high death-to-case rate. Institutional thromboprophylaxis guidelines have been used since 2019, however, a study to monitor its safety and efficacy is still required.