In Other Journals

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is significantly higher among patients undergoing open colorectal resections compared with those undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections (0.8% v 1.4%; P < 0.001), according to new research of nearly 150 000 patients in the US. The findings persisted after stratification for surgery site and pathological condition. A possible explanation is the fact that the laparoscopic procedures are linked to less pain and postoperative ileus, leading to earlier ambulation and shorter hospital stays. The researchers also looked at what conditions were associated with VTE, and found higher blood clot rates among patients with inflammatory bowel disease, followed by cancer and diverticulitis.