A standardized anesthesiology and surgical protocol leads to zero VTE events: A retrospective study in 502 autologous breast reconstructions

BACKGROUND: Autologous breast reconstruction carries an inherent risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), a complication with potentially severe outcomes. This study evaluated the incidence of VTE events in a large cohort of 502 autologous breast reconstructions, achieved through a standardized surgical, anesthesiologic, and thromboprophylaxis protocol. Our primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach in preventing VTE events.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 370 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between December 2007 and February 2023, employing a uniform surgical and anesthesiology protocol designed around the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol. The incidence of VTE and flap-related complications was documented, alongside an evaluation of the potential risk factors and Caprini scores.

RESULTS: None of the patients in this cohort developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. Hematomas were noted in 5.4% of the cases. The mean Caprini score observed was 6.67, ranging from 3 to 9. Incidences of total and partial flap necrosis were recorded in 7 (1.4%) and 9 (1.8%) cases, respectively. Analysis revealed no significant disparity in the complication rates between patients categorized as being at low risk (Caprini score ≤6), at 5.4%, and those deemed to have the highest risk and super high risk together (Caprini score ≥7), at 3.8%.

CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort study is the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate a zero percent incidence of clinical VTE events following autologous breast reconstruction, attributed to the rigorous application of a standardized surgical, anesthesiology, and thromboprophylaxis protocol. This result highlights the potential of a well-implemented pre- and intra-operative management, combined with the ERAS protocol, to significantly reduce the VTE risk in this group of patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.