Laparoscopic procedures as a risk factor of deep venous thrombosis, superficial ascending thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism--case report and review of the literature.

UNLABELLED: Since its introduction laparoscopic surgery has been used for many indications, e.g., cholecystolithiasis, hernia, appendicitis, fundoplication, benign large bowel disease and gynaecological disorders. It has been considered as safe and efficient procedure for most patients with only few contraindications, mostly heart-lung disease. When the initial enthusiasm has been replaced by a more critical observation, more complications of laparoscopy or laparoscopic surgery were not only discovered but also reported. In laparoscopic hernia repair there is a tendency for severe complications when compared to open surgery. There is a controversy on possible side-effects of laparoscopic surgery, e.g., thrombosis, and the increased necessity of prophylaxis for thromboembolic events. Recently a growing number of reports on thromboembolic complications in association with laparoscopic surgery were published. Thrombosis may be caused by detrimental effects of pneumoperitoneum on venous flow (increased abdominal pressure and negative Trendelenburg position) and activation of the haemostatic system. Further risk factors may contribute to the risk to develop venous thrombosis. It is well accepted that varicose veins are associated with an increased risk for the thrombosis. However, the association of varicose veins with complications of laparoscopic surgery is unclear. The possible impact of thrombotic complications makes an analysis of the association of varicose veins or a history of deep vein thrombosis on the development of thrombosis after laparoscopic surgery mandatory. Although this is the first report on ascending thrombophlebitis and thrombosis of the sapheno-femoral junction after laparoscopic surgery, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis or superficial thrombophlebitis after laparoscopic surgery or laparoscopy may be much higher according to the pathophysiological changes during and after these procedures. In many patients venous thrombosis may not be recognized or it appears when the patient is already discharged.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy and laparoscopic procedures may have an increased risk for the development of thrombosis due to increased abdominal pressure and negative Trendelenburg position. Patients with varicose veins and a history of thromboembolism may aggravate laparoscopy associated risks for the development of thromboembolic complications. Superficial thrombophlebitis in the thigh is not a benign disease entity and may lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Urgent surgical treatment (high ligation) may be warranted together with low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and compressions therapy. Patients with varicose veins and a history of venous thrombosis may not be suitable candidates for laparoscopic surgery. Family practitioners may be confronted with this complication more often since patients are discharged earlier from hospital after laparoscopic interventions due to legislative regulations.