The Particulars: The true incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in major urologic surgery has been poorly defined in the literature.
Data Breakdown: In an analysis of more than 900,000 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, radical nephrectomy, or partial nephrectomy, researchers found the highest rates of VTE and major bleeding among those who underwent radical cystectomy (4.96% and 7.70%, respectively). Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy had the lowest rates of VTE (0.55%) and major bleeding (1.77%). Age over 70 was a significant risk factor for VTE.
Take Home Pearl: The incidence of VTE and major bleeding events among major urologic surgeries appears to be low overall but is highest for those undergoing radical cystectomy and lowest for patients receiving radical prostatectomy.
