Postoperative bleeding and venous thromboembolism in colorectal cancer patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has improved survival for selected patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer. Previous studies report conflicting rates of postoperative bleeding and venous thromboembolism (VTE) after CRS + HIPEC. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature and to estimate the overall 30-day incidence of postoperative bleeding and the overall 90-day incidence of VTE after CRS + HIPEC. METHODS: Studies were identified in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science on 29 April 2021. Data were extracted for a qualitative synthesis and to estimate an overall mean incidence in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with a total of 3268 patients were included in the systematic review. Postoperative bleeding incidence rates within 30 days ranged from 1.7 to 8.3% with an overall 30-day postoperative bleeding incidence with [95% CI] at 4.2 [2.6;6.2]%. VTE incidence rates within 90 days ranged from 0.2 to 13.6% with an overall 90-day VTE incidence with [95% CI] at 2.7 [1;5.2]% after CRS + HIPEC. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis indicate a low risk for postoperative bleeding within 30 days and VTE within 90 days after CRS + HIPEC for peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer.

No impact of fish oil supplements on bleeding risk: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Fish oil supplementation may inhibit platelet aggregation and can potentially increase the risk of bleeding. The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate the effect of fish oil supplements on haemostasis and bleeding risk, and to provide recommendations on whether it is necessary to discontinue fish oil supplementation prior to surgery. METHODS: Studies were identified through PubMed and Embase searches and by reviewing the reference lists of the included papers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Included in the review were publications including a minimum of 20 healthy subjects and studies on patients who were undergoing surgery and who had fish oil exposure. RESULTS: In total, 52 publications were included; 32 publications on healthy subjects and 20 publications on patients undergoing surgery. The majority of the included studies were randomised controlled trials or included a control group. Overall, fish oil supplements reduced platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. Fish oil exposure in surgical patients did not increase bleeding or blood transfusions either during or after surgery. CONCLUSION: Fish oil supplements reduced platelet aggregation in healthy subjects. This biochemical effect was not reflected in increased bleeding risk during or after surgery evaluated in randomised controlled trials. Consequently, this systematic review does not support the need for discontinuation of fish oil supplements prior to surgery or other invasive procedures.