Prolonged Hypercoagulability Following Major Liver Resection for Malignancy
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2028-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This clinical trial will investigate the ability of thromboelastrogrpahy (TEG®) to detect
hypercoagulability after liver surgery and will examine the effect of extended
thromboprophylaxis (medical treatment to prevent the development of blood clots inside blood
vessels) in patients undergoing liver surgery for cancer treatment.
The liver plays a key role in regulating the process of blood clotting. As a result, blood
clots are a major cause of complications and death following liver surgery. This is
especially true in cancer patients who are at a higher risk of developing blood clots.
Current methods for preventing clotting complications after liver surgery include
conventional coagulation blood tests (CCTs) and anticoagulant drugs, such as low molecular
weight heparins (LMWHs). Current LMWH treatment is prescribed for one month after surgery,
but studies show that the risk of developing blood clots can last up to 3 months. Studies
also show that CCTs may not be as effective in detecting clotting issues as more
comprehensive testing systems, such as TEG. This study will randomize 50 participants to
receive 90 days of thromboprophylaxis (using the LMWH Redesca) or the standard of care 30
days (using the LMWH Fragmin) after liver surgery. The medication will be given by injection,
similar to a regular vaccine or an insulin injection. Participants will inject the medication
every day, for 30 or 90 days, after surgery. Participants will also have their blood tested
for clotting issues via TEG testing before surgery and on post-operative days 1,3,5,30 and
90. After surgery, participants will be monitored by their surgeon for clotting complications
and 3 year disease-free survival.