Prophylactic anticoagulation following splenectomy in cirrhotic patients.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to address the impact of prophylactic anticoagulation on the incidence of PVT in cirrhotic patients compared with no prophylactic anticoagulation after splenectomy.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prophylactic anticoagulation and no prophylactic anticoagulation after splenectomy were included by a systematic literature search. Two authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data.


RESULTS
A total of 1406 studies were searched and none met our inclusion criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
Most current studies were not prospective control trials based on small sample sizes and single center experiences. Therefore, it is hard to draw the conclusion that prophylactic anticoagulation following splenectomy should be recommended in cirrhotic patients. More attention to the problem Is required and the administration of routine postoperative anticoagulation needs to be standardized.
Department of Liver and Vascular Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
Peixian
P
Chen
Wentao
W
Wang
Lunan
L
Yan
D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006971:Hypersplenism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011169:Portal Vein; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants