Postoperative early thromboembolism as a prognostic indicator in patients with curatively resected pancreatic cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Information regarding postoperative thromboembolism in curatively resected pancreatic cancer is limited. This study aimed to assess the incidence and significance of postoperative thromboembolism. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 121 curatively resected pancreatic cancer patients. Early and late thromboembolisms were defined as events that occurred within 1 year and after 1 year, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (18%) experienced thromboembolism. Seven thromboembolic events occurred within 1 month (7, 6%), and the incidence rate decreased over time. Ten (63%) of the 16 patients with early thromboembolism experienced thromboembolism before or at the same time as recurrence; however, 5 (83%) of the 6 patients with late thromboembolism experienced recurrence before thromboembolism (P 5.005). A significant difference in recurrence-free survival (P 5.016) and borderline difference in overall survival (P 5.050) were observed between patients with early thromboembolism and others. CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolic events after curative surgery are prevalent in pancreatic cancer, especially within 1 month. Thromboembolic events within 1 year of surgery should be cautiously monitored.