Rivaroxaban versus enoxaparin as thromboprophylaxis in degenerative spine surgery: a randomized blinded non-inferiority study.

PURPOSE: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant postoperative complication. The most recommended prophylactic measures involve using the unfractionated heparin, and low molecular weight heparins. Since oral anticoagulants can be administered orally and are cost-effective, they have recently gained attention as a newer intervention. This study aimed to compare the effects of rivaroxaban, and enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis in degenerative spine surgeries.

METHOD: Patients diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, and undergoing spinal surgery were randomly assigned to receive either a subcutaneous injection of 40 mg enoxaparin or 10 mg oral rivaroxaban daily in a non-inferiority trial. The evaluation at two weeks, and three months after surgery included the assessments of VTE and other postoperative complications.

RESULT: According to the study protocol, 220 patients were enrolled in the study and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. However, the results were only available for 204 subjects as per-protocol. Ninety-seven in enoxaparin and 107 in rivaroxaban group. VTE was detected in 4 patients (3.6%) in the enoxaparin group, and 2 patients (1.9%) in the rivaroxaban group (P = 0.154). Reoperation rates were significantly higher in the enoxaparin group (P = 0.008). Moreover, the enoxaparin group experienced a significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.033). However, other outcomes did not show significant differences between two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that rivaroxaban effectively prevents VTE incidence in degenerative disc spinal surgeries which is non-inferior to enoxaparin in terms of VTE prophylaxis. Furthermore, the patients in the rivaroxaban group experienced shorter hospital stays and a lower necessity for reoperation.