Comparing preoperative and postoperative blood clot prevention for liver surgery

Pre- Vs Postoperative Thromboprophylaxis for Liver Resection - a Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

PHASE4 · Helsinki University Central Hospital · NCT04731558

This study is testing whether giving blood clot prevention medicine before or after liver surgery works better to keep patients safe from clots.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1012 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHelsinki University Central Hospital (other)
Locations7 sites (Helsinki and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04731558 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the timing of thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing liver resection, comparing preoperative versus postoperative administration of anticoagulants like enoxaparin, tinzaparin, or dalteparin. The study aims to address the lack of consensus and low-quality evidence surrounding thrombosis prevention in liver surgery, which is critical due to the associated risks of bleeding. By enrolling patients who meet specific criteria, the trial seeks to provide clearer guidelines on the optimal timing for thromboprophylaxis in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for liver resection who are not on anticoagulant medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are on anticoagulant medications, require emergency surgery, or are under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved guidelines for preventing blood clots in liver surgery patients, potentially reducing complications and improving recovery.

How similar studies have performed: There is currently no known prospective randomized trial addressing this specific timing of thromboprophylaxis in liver surgery, making this approach novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients undergoing liver resection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient on anticoagulative medication (heparin, low-molecular weight heparin, warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants) during last month pre-surgery
* Emergency operation (e.g. for trauma or infection)
* Age \< 18 years
* Allergy or other contraindication to planned low-molecular weight heparin
* Inability to give written informed consent
* Liver resection not performed (removed from analyses after randomization)

Where this trial is running

Helsinki and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Liver Cancer, Surgery, Thrombosis, Deep Vein, Embolism, Pulmonary, Bleeding

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.