Abstract
BACKGROUND: The optimal duration for thromboprophylaxis after colorectal cancer surgery remains uncertain. We sought to compare the effectiveness and safety of long-term thromboprophylaxis to that of short-term thromboprophylaxis in preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) after colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: In our retrospective study, patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were divided into the short-term (< 7 days) and long-term (≥ 7 days) thromboprophylaxis groups based on the low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis regimen. Propensity score matching was performed for both groups, and comparative analysis of the incidence of asymptomatic or symptomatic VTE and bleeding complications was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed in the unmatched cohort to explore the association of potential risk factors with postoperative VTE. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were included. After matching, there were 57 patients in each group. VTE occurred in 18 patients (15.8%) within 6 months after surgery, with 12 cases (21.1%) in the short-term thromboprophylaxis group and six cases (10.5%) in the long-term thromboprophylaxis group (P = 0.123). There were no significant differences in the incidence of bleeding complications between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that long-term thromboprophylaxis can reduce the risk of postoperative VTE (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.12-0.95; P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term thromboprophylaxis (≥ 7 days) demonstrated comparable effectiveness and safety to shorter regimens (< 7 days) in preventing postoperative VTE in patients with colorectal cancer, while suggesting potential sustained protective benefits during extended follow-up periods exceeding 6 months. Whether VTE prophylaxis should be extended to 28 days post-surgery requires further research.