Extended thromboprophylaxis cuts VTE rates in colorectal surgery
Extended thromboprophylaxis significantly reduces venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk after colorectal surgery without increasing bleeding complications.
VTE rates were reduced to 0.56% with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and 0.22% with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), compared to no extended treatment.
No major bleeding events differed between LMWH and DOAC groups at 90 days.
For high-risk patients, implementing extended thromboprophylaxis for at least 28 days can enhance postoperative outcomes.
A Japanese randomized trial found that a 14-day schedule of trifluridine-tipiracil plus bevacizumab keeps patients with metastatic colorectal cancer alive as long as the standard 28-day schedule, with far less toxicity.
Five years after surgery for low rectal cancer, patients operated on robotically did as well as those operated on laparoscopically, according to a randomized trial from three Korean centres.
