Risk factors associated with venous thromboembolism in 49,028 mastectomy patients

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially preventable disease that carries significant morbidity and mortality. Although malignancy is associated with increased risk for VTE, it varies according to cancer type. Despite the fact that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, the incidence and risk factors associated with VTE in patients undergoing mastectomy have not been well characterized. To address this we utilized the ACS-NSQIP database to identify and characterize independent risk factors for VTE in 49,028 mastectomy patients. We identified 116 cases of VTE in the 49,028 cases analyzed (0.23%). Obesity (BMI > 30, OR = 1.91, p < 0.001), inpatient status (OR = 3.75, p < 0.001), venous catheterization (OR = 2.67, p = 0.012), prolonged operative time >3 h (OR = 4.36, p < 0.001), and immediate reconstruction (OR = 3.23, p < 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for VTE. While the incidence of VTE is rare in mastectomy patients, the heightened awareness and increased VTE prophylaxis should be considered in high risk groups.