Preoperative anaemia and thrombocytopenia are associated with venous thromboembolism complications after colorectal resection
Evie Yeap, William Teoh, Thang Chien Nguyen, Thomas Surya Suhardja
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Earlier studies have shown that abnormal levels of haemoglobin and platelets may be associated with worse post-operative outcomes. We aim to compare the rates of venous thromboembolism (VTE), anastomotic leak and other complications in patients post-colorectal resection with normal and abnormal levels of haemoglobin and platelets. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 1610 patients from July 2010 to June 2015 in a single colorectal unit. Our primary outcome was the rate of VTE and anastomotic leak in anaemic and thrombocytopenic patients. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, 30-day mortality, return to theatre, transfusion rates and Clavien-Dindo classification complications. RESULTS: VTE complications were more common in anaemic patients, and this difference became more pronounced with the severity of anaemia. Other complications such as length of stay >2 weeks occurred more frequently in anaemic and thrombocytopenic patients. A trend towards higher rates of 30-day mortality and anastomotic leak was noted in patients with anaemia and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSION: Anaemia and thrombocytopenia are associated with worse outcomes including length of stay, anastomotic leak, VTE and 30-day mortality.