Postoperative Acute Pulmonary Embolism Following Pulmonary Resections

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2015;21(5):409-17. doi: 10.5761/atcs.ra.15-00157. Epub 2015 Sep 9.

Abstract

Postoperative acute pulmonary embolism after pulmonary resections is highly fatal complication. Many literatures have documented cancer to be the highest risk factor for acute pulmonary embolism after pulmonary resections. Early diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism is highly recommended and computed tomographic pulmonary angiography is the gold standard in diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy have shown a great success in treatment of acute pulmonary embolism. Surgical therapies (embolectomy and inferior vena cava filter replacement) proved to be lifesaving but many literatures favored medical therapy as the first choice. Prophylaxis pre and post operation is highly recommended, because there were statistical significant results in different studies which supported the use of prophylaxis in prevention of acute pulmonary embolism. Having reviewed satisfactory number of literatures, it is suggested that thoroughly preoperative assessment of patient conditions, determining their risk factors complicating to pulmonary embolism and the use of appropriate prophylaxis measures are the key options to the successful minimization or eradication of acute pulmonary embolism after lung resections.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Angiography
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Embolectomy
  • Humans
  • Pneumonectomy*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / prevention & control*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Thrombolytic Therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vena Cava Filters