Assessment of rivaroxaban as venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after gastric bypass surgery

Abstract

Background: Bariatric surgery is increasingly utilized to manage and prevent health issues related to obesity and the associated high incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a prophylactic dose of rivaroxaban against the development of VTE after bariatric surgery. Patients and Methods: This prospective cohort study was carried out on 40 morbid obese patients aged 18–60 years old, both sexes, with BMI) greater than or equal to 40 or greater than 35 kg/m 2 with obesity-related co-morbidities who underwent gastric bypass surgery. Patients received rivaroxaban 10 mg once a day orally 24 h postoperation for 1 month. Results: After 30 days, thrombosis did not occur in any patient. Intra luminal bleeding occurred in 3(7.5%) of the patients who were presented with melena, tachycardia, and hypotension and readmitted and all managed conservatively. The mean red blood cells transfused was 2.7 units, plasma transfused was 3.3 units, and the mean hospital stay was 2.3 days. Conclusion: Prophylactic oral rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily 24 h after gastric bypass surgery for 1 month is effective against VTE development.