Low-molecular weight heparin prevents portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the prevention of portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) after splenectomy. Methods A systematic search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Springer and Cochrane Library databases to screen out studies comparing the prognoses between post-splenectomy patients treated with and without LMWH. The incidences of PVST and bleeding complications were used as parameters to assess the effect of LMWH. Results Six articles met the selection criteria and were included in this study. A total of 740 patients were involved in these six articles, including 336 patients treated with LMWH (LMWH group) and 385 patients not treated with LMWH (control group). The incidence of PVST in the LMWH group was significantly lower than that in the control group (relative risk 1.782 (1.449-2.192); P = 0.285; I-2 = 19.7%), while the incidence of post-operative bleeding in the LMWH group was significantly higher (relative risk 0.592 (0.195-1.799); P = 0.817; I-2 = 0.0%). Conclusion LMWH might decrease the incidence of PVST after splenectomy without a potential risk of bleeding.