Comparison of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for venous thromboprophylaxis after radical cystectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Radical cystectomy in bladder cancer patients can result in postoperative complications, including venous thromboembolism (VTE), with an incidence reported between 3% and 11.6%. Although low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is the recommended prophylactic treatment, challenges such as financial constraints and patient adherence remain. Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) present an alternative, but their comparative efficacy and safety against LMWHs in preventing VTE after radical cystectomy need further evaluation. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of LMWHs vs. DOACs for VTE prophylaxis following radical cystectomy.