Venous Thromboembolism in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: A Systematic Review

J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2019 Feb;26(2):186-196. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2018.08.025. Epub 2018 Sep 4.

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of preventable healthcare-related death after surgery. Although there is a large body of research on VTE in the general population as well as risk-assessment tools, evidence specific to the current practices in gynecologic surgery is more sparse. This review article seeks to discuss current literature on VTE in gynecologic surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive surgery. Evidence on risk factors for VTE in gynecologic surgery is evaluated as well as current recommendations use of thromboprophylaxis for prevention of VTE. Despite data showing that minimally invasive gynecologic surgery independently decreases risk of VTE compared with laparotomy, current clinical risk assessment tools and guidelines do not incorporate mode of surgery into recommendations for perioperative VTE prevention.

Keywords: Thromboprophylaxis; VTE; Venous thromboembolism.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Gynecologic Surgical Procedures* / methods
  • Humans
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures*
  • Perioperative Care / methods*
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications* / prevention & control
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Venous Thromboembolism / diagnosis
  • Venous Thromboembolism / etiology*
  • Venous Thromboembolism / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anticoagulants