Prophylactic anticoagulation following splenectomy in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: 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.

METHODOLOGY: 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.