Assessment of the procoagulant potential after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a potential role for extended thromboprophylaxis

Background Bariatric surgery is associated with increased thromboembolic risk, which may extend well beyond hospital stay. The hemostatic mechanisms implicated in this risk are not well established. Objectives We aimed to determine the dynamics of hemostatic changes and procoagulant potential among patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, during both the early and late postoperative periods. Setting A university hospital. Methods Patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were recruited consecutively to this study. Blood samples were taken preoperatively, before discharge (postoperative day [POD] 3), and at the first follow-up visit (POD10). All samples were tested for complete blood count, C-reactive protein, von Willebrand factor, factor VIII, fibrinogen, and thrombin generation. Results The median preoperative body mass index of the 26 participants was 41.3 (38.7–43.3) kg/m². Compared with preoperative evaluation, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen and activity, and factor VIII levels were significantly higher at POD3 and POD10 (P<.0001 for all comparisons). Peak thrombin levels and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) were higher at POD3 (P =.005 for both comparisons) and POD10 (P =.0009 and<.0001) compared with baseline. ETP and peak thrombin, as well as fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and factor VIII levels, were comparable between POD3 and POD10. Multivariate analysis showed that the only predictor of postoperative ETP was the preoperative ETP level (β =.55, P =.007). Conclusions As determined by thrombin generation, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was associated with hypercoagulability, which persisted during POD10. This finding suggests a possible benefit of extended thromboprophylaxis. Nevertheless, our results should be interpreted with caution due to the lack of a control group.