BACKGROUND Information regarding postoperative thromboembolism in curatively resected pancreatic cancer is limited. This study aimed to assess the incidence and significance of postoperative thromboembolism.

METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 121 curatively resected pancreatic cancer patients. Early and late thromboembolisms were defined as events that occurred within 1 year and after 1 year, respectively.

RESULTS Twenty-two patients (18%) experienced thromboembolism. Seven thromboembolic events occurred within 1 month (7, 6%), and the incidence rate decreased over time. Ten (63%) of the 16 patients with early thromboembolism experienced thromboembolism before or at the same time as recurrence; however, 5 (83%) of the 6 patients with late thromboembolism experienced recurrence before thromboembolism (P = .005). A significant difference in recurrence-free survival (P = .016) and borderline difference in overall survival (P = .050) were observed between patients with early thromboembolism and others.

CONCLUSIONS Thromboembolic events after curative surgery are prevalent in pancreatic cancer, especially within 1 month. Thromboembolic events within 1 year of surgery should be cautiously monitored.