The preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts the development of deep venous thrombosis after pancreatic surgery

Abstract

Background/Aim: Pancreatic surgery is associated with a high risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and malnutrition. We aimed to evaluate the factors predicting the development of DVT, focusing on nutrition assessment tools. Patients and Methods: One hundred patients who underwent pancreatic surgery were postoperatively examined for DVT. We assessed the risk factors for the development of DVT after surgery. Results: Postoperative DVT was detected in 11 patients (11%). Patients who developed DVT after surgery were significantly older (p=0.016) and had higher preoperative D-dimer levels (p=0.005) than those who did not. The preoperative prognostic nutritional index (PNI) was mostly associated with the development of DVT (p=0.079). Furthermore, PNI ≤44.3, BUN >20 mg/dl, D-dimer ≥1.9 μg/ml were independent predictors for the development of DVT after surgery. Conclusion: A poor nutrition status and dehydration should be preoperatively improved for patients who are identified, as having a high risk of developing DVT after pancreatic surgery.