Para-Aortic Lymph Node Dissection and Metastasis Increase the Rate of Post-Operative VTE in Gynaecological Cancers

Objective, We investigated the relationship between venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (LND) within the first 90 days post gynaecological cancer surgery. Methods, A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 1,021 patients who underwent gynecological cancer surgery between 2006 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to assess the effects of LND and lymph node (LN) metastasis on VTE occurrence within 90 days post-surgery. Results, 41 patients developed VTE within 90 days post-surgery. Para-aortic LND, was significantly associated with VTE (P < 0.001), with the highest rates (14.6%) observed in patients who had >10 para-aortic LN removed. In patients with pelvic LN metastasis, 10 (7.5%) developed VTE; patients with > 5 pelvic nodes positive for metastasis had a HR =4.83 (95% CI: 0.99- 13.9) after adjustment for age, duration of hospital stay, and surgical approach. The highest VTE rates (27.3%) occurred in patients with >5 para-aortic LN positive for metastasis, HR=3.79 (95% CI 1.44-14.23) after adjustment for age, duration of hospital stay, and surgical approach (P = 0.011). Conclusion, Para-aortic LND significantly increases VTE risk within the first 90 days post-surgery. The risk is further amplified in cases with metastatic LN and persists even after adjustment for other risk factors for VTE. While extended thromboprophylaxis is standard for all cancer patients, our findings suggest that para-aortic LND—especially with nodal metastases—may help identify those who would benefit most from a more tailored, risk-based prophylaxis approach.