Case Report
Surgical Management of Enoxaparin- and/or Warfarin-induced Massive Retroperitoneal Bleeding: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Abstract
A 70-year-old man on enoxaparin and warfarin sodium therapy due to pulmonary embolism was admitted for evaluation of a sudden, sharp pain in the left inguinal region. Physical examination revealed a 5 × 10 cm tender mass. Abdominal ultrasound showed a 9 × 9 × 10 cm left retroperitoneal hematoma. INR was 2.1, and anticoagulation therapy was discontinued. A regimen of supportive therapy (vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma and blood transfusion) was started, but the hemorrhage continued to enlarge, up to 9 × 10 × 20 cm, and the patient experienced a significant deterioration in his overall status. He underwent an urgent laparotomy and the hematoma was evacuated. A retroperitoneal abscess developed during the postoperative period which was drained percutaneously. He was discharged on postoperative day 33 with no further complaints. This case demonstrates the importance of surgical therapy in the treatment of spontaneous retroperitoneal hemorrhage caused by anticoagulant therapy.
Key Points
* Enoxaparin treatment is widely used for different types of patients in both surgical and nonsurgical practice.
* Spontaneous bleeding is one of the complications of this treatment. Although most cases are treated by conservative means, some need surgical intervention.
* We discuss potential side effects of enoxaparin as well as the need for surgical intervention with emphasis on appropriate timing for surgical intervention.
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