"Previous studies looking at IBD and VTE risk included perineal and benign anorectal procedures, as well as open procedures," Dr. Gross noted. "But we only included open and laparoscopic abdominal procedures that involved resection of bowel."
The 30-day rate of VTE (deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism) was significantly higher in the IBD group than in the colorectal cancer group (2.7% vs. 2.1%, P less than .001).
In a multivariate analysis, relative to their peers with colorectal cancer, patients with IBD still had a significantly elevated risk of this outcome (odds ratio, 1.35; P = .005).
"The [temporal] distribution of VTE events in IBD patients mirrors that in colorectal cancer patients," commented Dr. Gross, who disclosed no conflicts of interest related to the research; in both groups, events continued to occur out to 30 days.
In the IBD group, fully 55% of events occurred on day 7 or later. "At this time, most patients will have been discharged or will be discharged soon," she pointed out.