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Semin Thromb Hemost 2015; 41(06): 615-620
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1556726
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Postsurgical Inflammation as a Causative Mechanism of Venous Thromboembolism

Mostafa A. Albayati
1   Cardiovascular Division, Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
,
Steven P. Grover
1   Cardiovascular Division, Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
,
Prakash Saha
1   Cardiovascular Division, Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
,
Bashir A. Lwaleed
2   Department of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
,
Bijan Modarai
1   Cardiovascular Division, Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
,
Alberto Smith
1   Cardiovascular Division, Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 August 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Surgery is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Although the current treatment regiments such as mechanical manipulation and administration of pharmacological prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of postsurgical VTE, they remain a major cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathophysiology of venous thrombosis traditionally emphasizes the series of factors that constitute Virchow triad of factors. However, inflammation can also be a part of this by giving rise to a hypercoagulable state and endothelial damage. The inflammatory response after surgery, which is initiated by a cytokine “storm” and occurs within hours of surgery, creates a prothrombotic environment that is further accentuated by several cellular processes including neutrophil extracellular traps formation, platelet activation, and the generation of tissue factor–bearing microparticles. Although such inflammatory markers are elevated in undergoing surgery, the precise mechanism by which they give rise to venous thrombosis is poorly understood. Here, we discuss the potential mechanisms linking inflammation to thrombosis, and highlight strategies that may minimize surgical inflammation and reduce the incidence of postoperative VTE.

Keywords

surgery - inflammation - thromboembolism