Venous thromboembolism in reconstructive pelvic surgery

Objective We sought to determine the incidence and risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women undergoing reconstructive pelvic surgery (RPS). Study Design Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry, we identified patients who underwent RPS from 2006 through 2010 based on Current Procedural Terminology codes. We defined 2 cohorts: women with any RPS performed, with concomitant surgery from other specialties allowed (RPS + other), and women whose only procedure was RPS. VTE was defined as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism diagnosed within 30 days of surgery. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and operative characteristics were extracted from the database. Variables were analyzed using χ² tests and Student t tests for categorical and continuous variables. We performed a multiple logistic regression to control for confounding variables. Results In all, 20,687 women underwent RPS + other, with 69 cases of VTE for a rate of 0.3%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated predictors for postoperative VTE including inpatient hospital status (odds ratio [OR], 7.69; P <.001), higher American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status classification (OR, 2.70; P <.001), and emergency intervention (OR, 3.65; P =.008). When women undergoing only RPS were analyzed, there were 14 cases of VTE, with an incidence of 0.1% and the only specific predictor for postoperative VTE was length of stay (P <.037). Conclusion The incidence of VTE following RPS is very low, but it is increased in women undergoing concomitant surgeries. Patients undergoing inpatient surgery with higher American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Status classifications and requiring emergency intervention were at highest risk for VTE.