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SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article

Front. Med., 14 January 2026

Sec. Pulmonary Medicine

Volume 12 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1699892

This article is part of the Research TopicComplex Interplay Between Lung Diseases and Multisystem Disorders: Pathogenesis, management, and OutcomeView all 22 articles

Risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Jie Fu&#x;Jie Fu1Yiyi Zhou&#x;Yiyi Zhou1Feng ZhangFeng Zhang1Ru LvRu Lv2Lu Hu
Lu Hu3*Haiyan Zhang
Haiyan Zhang1*
  • 1Department of Cardiology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
  • 2Department of Otolaryngology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China
  • 3Department of Oncology, Army Medical Center of PLA, Chongqing, China

Objective: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication following lung cancer surgery, which not only complicates treatment but may also delay cancer-specific therapies and even threaten patient survival. Currently, the risk factors for postoperative VTE in lung cancer patients remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify risk factors associated with VTE in these patients after surgery.

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and VIP Database for studies investigating risk factors for VTE after lung cancer surgery. The search covered the period from database inception to February 2025. Two reviewers independently screened the literature based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results: A total of 21 studies involving 41,780 participants were included. The meta-analysis identified the following significant risk factors for VTE after lung cancer surgery: age ≥ 65 years old, hyperlipidemia, tumor staging III–IV, thoracotomy, operation time ≥ 2 h, intraoperative blood loss ≥ 200 mL, abnormal D-dimer levels, and preoperative chemotherapy. In contrast, no statistically significant associations were found between VTE occurrence and sex, age ≥ 60 years, smoking history, drinking history, body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, pathological type, operation time ≥ 3 h, tumor location, or type of lung resection.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis confirmed that age ≥ 65 years, hyperlipidemia, advanced tumor stage (III–IV), thoracotomy, prolonged operation time (≥ 2 h), significant intraoperative blood loss (≥ 200 mL), abnormal D-dimer, and preoperative chemotherapy were risk factors for VTE in lung cancer patients after surgery. Targeted preventive measures based on these factors may help improve clinical outcomes in this patient population.

1 Introduction

Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with its incidence and mortality rates consistently ranking first among all cancers (15). For eligible patients, comprehensive treatment centered around surgery remains the primary clinical approach, as it effectively removes lesion tissues and improves survival outcomes (6, 7). However, surgical trauma in lung cancer patients can lead to coagulation dysfunction, resulting in a hypercoagulable state and altered hemorheology. Postoperative pain further impedes early mobilization (8, 9), collectively contributing to a high susceptibility to venous thromboembolism (VTE) after surgery (10). Studies have reported that the incidence of postoperative VTE in lung cancer patients ranges from approximately 7.3% to 13.9% (11). As a serious complication following lung cancer surgery, VTE not only complicates clinical management but may also delay cancer-specific treatment and even threaten patient survival (12). Therefore, identifying risk factors for VTE in these patients is crucial for improving prognosis. Although multiple studies have investigated these risk factors, their findings remain inconsistent (1333). This study aims to evaluate the risk factors for VTE after lung cancer surgery through a meta-analysis, thereby providing evidence-based support for postoperative VTE prevention.

2 Methods

The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (34).

2.1 Literature search

A systematic literature search was performed across the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, the China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and VIP Database. The search period spanned from the inception of each database to February 2025 to identify all relevant studies investigating risk factors for VTE following lung cancer surgery. The search strategy combined Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms with free words, including but not limited to “lung cancer,” “venous thromboembolism,” “deep vein thrombosis,” “pulmonary embolism,” and “risk factor.” The specific search strategy used for PubMed is provided as an example in Supplementary Table S1.

2.2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

The study eligibility criteria were defined as follows:

Inclusion criteria:

1. Participants: Patients aged 18 years or older who were pathologically diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgical resection;

2. Exposure: Investigation of risk factors for postoperative VTE;

3. Outcome: A clear diagnosis of VTE confirmed by imaging examinations;

4. Study design: Cohort or case–control studies.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Duplicate publication;

2. Studies published as case reports, conference abstracts, animal studies, reviews, etc.;

3. Publications with insufficient data for extraction;

4. Studies with a Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) score below 5 points.

2.3 Data extraction

Two investigators independently screened the retrieved literature, extracted data, and cross-checked their findings. Any disagreements were resolved through discussion until a consensus was reached. The extracted information included the first author, publication year, study design, sample size, VTE incidence, exposure factors examined, and reported outcomes.

2.4 Risk of bias assessment

The methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies were assessed independently by two reviewers using the NOS. The NOS evaluates studies based on three domains: selection of study groups, comparability of groups, and ascertainment of either exposure or outcome. The total score ranges from 0 to 9 points. Studies were categorized as low (0–4 points), moderate (5–6 points), or high quality (7–9 points). Consistent with the exclusion criteria, only studies with a NOS score of 5 or higher were included in the final meta-analysis.

2.5 Statistical analysis

All meta-analyses were performed using RevMan software (version 5.4). For consistency, all outcome data were converted into odds ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pooled ORs and 95% CIs were calculated for each risk factor. Heterogeneity across included studies was assessed using chi-square tests and quantified by the I2 statistic. A fixed-effects model was used when no significant heterogeneity was present (p ≥ 0.10 and I2 ≤ 50%); otherwise, a random-effects model was applied. Sensitivity analyses were conducted by alternating between the fixed- and random-effects models to evaluate the robustness of the pooled results. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test or funnel plots for risk factors that were reported in 10 or more studies.

3 Results

3.1 Literature retrieval results

The initial systematic search identified 7,597 potentially relevant records. Following a rigorous screening process of titles, abstracts, and full texts against the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 21 studies (1333) were ultimately included for meta-analysis (Figure 1). The included studies, conducted in the United States, China, and Canada and published between 2012 and 2024, comprised both case–control and cohort designs. Sample sizes ranged from 84 to 14,308 participants. The methodological quality assessed by the NOS was high, with scores ranging from 7 to 9. The VTE incidence rate across studies was 3.63%. The baseline characteristics of the included studies are summarized in Table 1.

Figure 1
Flowchart titled

Figure 1. Flowchart of literature selection.

Table 1
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Table 1. Characteristics of the included studies.

3.2 Meta-analysis results

3.2.1 Patient factors

3.2.1.1 Sex

Twenty studies were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that sex was not significantly associated with the risk of VTE following lung cancer surgery (OR = 1.09, 95% CI (0.93, 1.29), p = 0.300; Figure 2).

Figure 2
Forest plot showing odds ratios for various studies related to a specific analysis. Each line represents a study with its odds ratio, confidence intervals, and weights. The diamond at the bottom indicates the combined odds ratio with a confidence interval of 1.09 [0.93, 1.28], suggesting a neutral effect. Statistics for heterogeneity include Tau squared, Chi squared, degrees of freedom, and I squared, with overall effect test Z = 1.05 (P = 0.30).

Figure 2. Meta-analysis of the association between sex and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.1.2 Age

A pooled analysis of six studies was performed to assess the influence of age. Based on four studies utilizing a threshold of 60 years, no significant association was found between age ≥ 60 years and postoperative VTE risk [OR = 1.74, 95% CI (0.76, 3.95), p = 0.190] (Figure 3). However, analysis of two studies that defined older age as ≥ 65 years identified it as a significant risk factor for VTE [OR = 1.95, 95% CI (1.45, 2.61), p < 0.00001] (Figure 4).

Figure 3
Forest plot showing odds ratios from four studies. The individual studies display odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals: Akhtar-Danesh et al 2021, Du et al 2023, Wu et al 2024, and Yang et al 2012. The combined overall effect is 1.74 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.76 to 3.95. The plot includes a test for heterogeneity with Tau² of 0.54, Chi² of 18.89, and I² of 84%. The test for overall effect shows Z of 1.31 with a p-value of 0.19.

Figure 3. Meta-analysis of the association between age ≥ 60 years old and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

Figure 4
Forest plot showing odds ratios from two studies: Ke et al 2021 and Thomas et al 2018. Ke et al reports an odds ratio of 4.04 with a confidence interval of 1.01 to 16.10 and weight of 4.6 percent. Thomas et al reports 1.88 with a confidence interval of 1.39 to 2.54 and weight of 95.4 percent. The total effect shows an odds ratio of 1.95 with a confidence interval of 1.45 to 2.61. Heterogeneity is low with a Chi-squared of 1.12 and I-squared of 11 percent.

Figure 4. Meta-analysis of the association between age ≥ 65 years old and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.1.3 History of smoking

Thirteen studies provided data on smoking history. The meta-analysis revealed no statistically significant association between a history of smoking and the development of VTE after surgery [OR = 1.13, 95% CI (0.86, 1.49), p = 0.390] (Figure 5).

Figure 5
Forest plot showing odds ratios with confidence intervals from multiple studies. Studies are listed on the left, with corresponding log odds ratio, standard error, and weights. Red squares and horizontal lines represent odds ratios and confidence intervals, respectively. The diamond at the bottom indicates the overall effect, with values positioned on a logarithmic scale favoring low or high risk. Total effect: 1.13 with confidence interval 0.86 to 1.49. Heterogeneity stats: Tau-squared 0.11, Chi-squared 24.49, degrees of freedom 12, P-value 0.02, I-squared 51%. Test for overall effect: Z 0.87, P 0.39.

Figure 5. Meta-analysis of the association between smoking history and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.1.4 Drinking history

Data from eight studies were analyzed for drinking history. The results showed no significant association between a history of drinking and postoperative VTE risk [OR = 1.27, 95% CI (0.93, 1.75), p = 0.140] (Figure 6).

Figure 6
Forest plot showing odds ratios from several studies, each represented by red squares and horizontal lines indicating confidence intervals. The studies are listed: Dong et al 2021, Dong et al 2022, Hei et al 2023, Jia et al 2023, Ke et al 2021, Qin 2022, Qin et al 2023, and Wu et al 2024. The overall effect estimate is depicted as a black diamond at the bottom, with a total odds ratio of 1.27 and a confidence interval of 0.93 to 1.75.

Figure 6. Meta-analysis of the association between drinking history and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.1.5 Body mass index (BMI)

Seven studies were included to evaluate BMI. The meta-analysis demonstrated that a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was not significantly associated with an increased risk of VTE [OR = 1.03, 95% CI (0.84, 1.27), p = 0.780] (Figure 7).

Figure 7
Forest plot showing odds ratios from seven studies on a horizontal line. Each study is represented by a square, with size indicating weight, and horizontal lines showing confidence intervals. A diamond at the bottom represents the combined overall effect, with a confidence interval of 0.84 to 1.27, suggesting no significant effect. The plot favors neither low nor high risk overall.

Figure 7. Meta-analysis of the association between body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.2 Disease condition

3.2.2.1 Hypertension

Fourteen studies were included. The meta-analysis found no statistically significant association between hypertension and the risk of VTE after lung cancer surgery [OR = 1.30,95% CI (1.00,1.68), p = 0.050] (Figure 8).

Figure 8
Forest plot showing odds ratios from various studies, each represented by red squares and black lines indicating the confidence intervals. The overall effect is depicted by a black diamond at the bottom. Odds ratios vary, with the plot's axis ranging from 0.01 to 100, favoring low risk or high risk. The test for overall effect has a z-score of 1.94 with a p-value of 0.05, indicating moderate heterogeneity.

Figure 8. Meta-analysis of the association between hypertension and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.2.2 Hyperlipidemia

Pooled results from three studies indicated that hyperlipidemia was a significant risk factor for VTE [OR = 2.21, 95% CI (1.22, 4.02), p = 0.009] (Figure 9).

Figure 9
Forest plot showing odds ratios from three studies: Dong et al. 2021, Dong et al. 2022, and Zhou et al. 2019. The combined odds ratio is 2.21 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.22 to 4.02, indicating statistical significance as shown by the diamond. The test for overall effect is significant with a Z-value of 2.61 and a p-value of 0.009. The plot has low heterogeneity with an I-squared of zero percent and a Chi-squared p-value of 0.62.

Figure 9. Meta-analysis of the association between hyperlipidemia and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.2.3 Tumor staging

Analysis of 15 studies demonstrated that advanced tumor stage (III–IV) was significantly associated with an increased risk of VTE [OR = 1.76, 95%CI (1.29, 2.41), p = 0.0004] (Figure 10).

Figure 10
Forest plot displaying the odds ratios and confidence intervals for several studies. Each study is represented by a red square and a line indicating the confidence interval. The overall effect is shown as a diamond at the bottom, indicating an odds ratio of 1.76 with a confidence interval from 1.29 to 2.41. Heterogeneity metrics and significance levels are noted at the bottom, indicating substantial variability among studies (I² = 81%). The graph spans a scale from 0.01 to 100, with annotations marking low and high risk.

Figure 10. Meta-analysis of the association between tumor staging and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.2.4 Coronary heart disease

Data from eight studies were analyzed. The meta-analysis showed that coronary heart disease was not significantly associated with VTE risk [OR = 1.16, 95%CI (0.83, 1.62), p = 0.390] (Figure 11).

Figure 11
Forest plot showing meta-analysis of studies with calculated odds ratios and confidence intervals. Red squares indicate study-specific odds ratios, with the size reflecting study weight. Horizontal lines depict confidence intervals. The diamond represents the overall effect size with a confidence interval of 0.83 to 1.62, suggesting no significant overall effect. Heterogeneity is low with Chi-squared value of 6.40, degrees of freedom equal to 7, and I-squared equals zero percent.

Figure 11. Meta-analysis of the association between coronary heart disease and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.2.5 Diabetes

Fourteen studies provided data on diabetes. No significant association was found between diabetes and postoperative VTE [OR = 1.32, 95%CI (0.96, 1.81), p = 0.090] (Figure 12).

Figure 12
Forest plot depicting odds ratios and confidence intervals from multiple studies on risk factors. Each study is listed with its log odds ratio, standard error, and weight. The plot visually displays the effect sizes and confidence intervals using horizontal lines and a diamond for overall effect. The diamond at the bottom represents the combined effect size with a point estimate of 1.32 and a confidence interval of 0.96 to 1.81. Heterogeneity statistics are included, indicating moderate variability among studies.

Figure 12. Meta-analysis of the association between diabetes and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.2.6 Pathological type

Based on 14 studies, the pathological type (adenocarcinoma versus other types) was not significantly associated with VTE risk [OR = 0.87, 95%CI (0.74, 1.02), p = 0.080] (Figure 13).

Figure 13
Forest plot depicting odds ratios from various studies evaluating a certain effect. The plot includes thirteen studies represented by dots with horizontal lines indicating confidence intervals. Squares reflect study weight, with a diamond indicating the overall effect estimate. The odds ratios range from 0.40 to 2.31, with the total odds ratio being 0.87. Heterogeneity is shown with Chi-squared equals 16.30, df equals 13, and I-squared equals 20 percent. Overall effect test is Z equals 1.75, p equals 0.08.

Figure 13. Meta-analysis of the association between pathological type and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.3 Surgery-related factors

3.2.3.1 Type of surgery

Ten studies compared surgical approaches. The meta-analysis identified thoracotomy as a significant risk factor for VTE [OR = 1.76, 95% CI (1.43, 2.16), p < 0.00001] (Figure 14).

Figure 14
Forest plot showing odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for various studies on a low to high-risk scale. Studies include Awang et al 2017 to Wang 2021, with a total odds ratio of 1.76, ranging from 1.43 to 2.16. The plot indicates a heterogeneity Chi-square of 11.99 with P equals 0.21, I-squared equals 25 percent, and a significant overall effect with Z equals 5.37, P less than 0.00001.

Figure 14. Meta-analysis of the association between the surgical approach and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.3.2 Operation time

Five studies examined the effect of operation time. Analysis of three studies using a 3-h threshold showed no statistically significant association with VTE risk [OR = 1.59, 95%CI (1.01, 2.50), p = 0.050] (Figure 15). However, based on two studies using a 2-h threshold, an operation time ≥ 2 h was a significant risk factor [OR = 2.86, 95%CI (1.71, 4.77), p < 0.0001] (Figure 16).

Figure 15
Forest plot displaying odds ratios from three studies by Awang et al. 2017, Hei et al. 2023, and Jia et al. 2023. Each study is represented by a square on the plot, with size indicating study weight. Confidence intervals are horizontal lines through the squares. The pooled overall effect size is shown as a diamond, with an odds ratio of 1.59 and a 95% confidence interval of 1.01 to 2.50. Statistical measures include heterogeneity and a test for overall effect.

Figure 15. Meta-analysis of the association between operation time ≥ 3 h and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

Figure 16
Forest plot displaying odds ratios from two studies: Ke et al 2021 and Zhou et al 2019. Individual odds ratios: 3.38 [1.63, 7.01] and 2.42 [1.17, 4.99], respectively. Combined odds ratio is 2.86 [1.71, 4.77] with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%). The plot suggests an overall effect favoring high risk with significant results (Z = 4.00, P < 0.0001).

Figure 16. Meta-analysis of the association between operation time ≥ 2 h and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.3.3 Intraoperative blood loss

Two studies reported intraoperative blood loss. The meta-analysis indicated that blood loss ≥ 200 mL was a significant risk factor for VTE.

[OR = 1.13, 95%CI (1.02, 1.25), p = 0.020] (Figure 17).

Figure 17
Forest plot showing odds ratios from two studies: Hei et al 2023 (1.13 [1.02, 1.25]) and Ke et al 2021 (1.00 [0.51, 1.96]). The combined fixed-effects model odds ratio is 1.13 [1.02, 1.25]. The plot indicates heterogeneity with Chi-squared 0.12, P = 0.73, I-squared 0%. Overall effect Z = 2.31, P = 0.02. The plot favors low risk.

Figure 17. Meta-analysis of the association between intraoperative bleeding and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.3.4 Tumor site

Data from five studies showed that tumor location (left versus right lung) was not significantly associated with VTE risk [OR = 0.95, 95%CI (0.68, 1.33), p = 0.770] (Figure 18).

Figure 18
Forest plot showing odds ratios and confidence intervals for five studies ranging from 0.73 to 1.37. Total odds ratio is 0.95 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.68 to 1.33. The horizontal lines intersect the vertical line at 1, indicating no significant effect. Heterogeneity is low with \( I^2 \) value of 0%.

Figure 18. Meta-analysis of the association between tumor site and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.3.5 Type of lung resection

Six studies were included. The meta-analysis found that the type of lung resection (lobectomy versus other resections) was not significantly associated with VTE risk [OR = 0.89, 95%CI (0.47, 1.69), p = 0.730] (Figure 19).

Figure 19
Forest plot showing odds ratios from six studies on a logarithmic scale, with each study’s weight, confidence interval, and overall effect. Studies include Ding et al 2023 and Thomas et al 2018. The plot indicates low to high risk on the x-axis. Overall heterogeneity and effect size are included.

Figure 19. Meta-analysis of the association between type of lung resection and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.4 Other factors

3.2.4.1 Preoperative chemotherapy

Analysis of five studies showed that preoperative chemotherapy was a significant risk factor for VTE [OR = 3.40, 95%CI (1.92, 6.02), p < 0.0001] (Figure 20).

Figure 20
Forest plot showing odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for five studies: Awang et al 2017, Ding et al 2023, Qiao et al 2021, Wu et al 2024, and Yang et al 2012. The pooled effect size is 3.40 with a confidence interval of [1.92, 6.02]. The plot suggests overall higher risk with significant heterogeneity indicated by Tau squared equals 0.26 and I squared equals 70%.

Figure 20. Meta-analysis of the association between preoperative chemotherapy and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.4.2 Abnormal D-dimer

Based on four studies, an abnormal D-dimer level was identified as a significant risk factor for VTE [OR = 2.89, 95%CI (1.50, 5.60), p = 0.002] (Figure 21).

Figure 21
Forest plot showing odds ratios for four studies on a specific intervention. Individual study results are represented by red squares with horizontal lines indicating the confidence intervals. Combined effect size is shown by a black diamond. The total odds ratio is 2.89 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.50 to 5.60, suggesting overall significance. Heterogeneity is indicated by Tau² equals 0.36 and I² equals 89%.

Figure 21. Meta-analysis of the association between D-dimer abnormality and postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer.

3.2.5 Publication bias

Funnel plots were generated for factors with sufficient included studies, such as sex, pathological type, tumor stage, and hypertension. The scatter points in these funnel plots showed approximate symmetry, suggesting a low likelihood of significant publication bias (Figure 22).

Figure 22
Four funnel plots labeled A, B, C, and D display standard error by odds ratio with a log scale on the x-axis. Each plot contains a series of data points forming a triangular pattern, with varying distributions and adherence to the symmetry line.

Figure 22. Funnel plot: (A) Sex; (B) pathological type; (C) tumor stage; and (D) hypertension.

3.2.6 Sensitivity analysis

Sensitivity analysis, performed by alternating between fixed-effect and random-effects models, demonstrated that the direction and significance of the pooled results for all risk factors remained consistent. This indicates that the findings are robust and not overly dependent on the choice of statistical model (Table 2).

Table 2
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Table 2. Each outcome changed the model sensitivity analysis results.

4 Discussion

This meta-analysis, encompassing 21 studies with a total of 41,780 participants, evaluated 18 potential risk factors for VTE following lung cancer surgery. The results identified the following significant risk factors: age ≥ 65 years, hyperlipidemia, tumor stage III–IV, thoracotomy, operation time ≥ 2 h, intraoperative blood loss ≥ 200 mL, preoperative chemotherapy, and abnormal D-dimer levels.

Previous studies have consistently recognized advanced age as a risk factor for postoperative VTE in lung cancer patients (13, 16, 25, 31). However, the specific age threshold for risk stratification remains controversial. Our analysis demonstrated that patients aged 65 years or older had a significantly higher risk of VTE. This may be explained by age-related physiological decline, including diminished functional reserve, reduced muscle tone, endothelial dysfunction, and impaired venous compliance, all of which contribute to an elevated thromboembolic risk in the elderly surgical population (35). While some studies (13) have suggested smoking as a risk factor due to its role in vascular endothelial injury, platelet activation, increased blood viscosity, and slowed blood flow, thereby accelerating thrombosis (36), our meta-analysis did not find a statistically significant association between smoking history and VTE. We believe that the studies included might have only regarded smoking history as a binary variable of “present/absent,” failing to incorporate more precise indicators of exposure dose. Moreover, in the specific group of lung cancer patients, smoking itself is the primary causative factor (37). The baseline smoking rate among the study population was generally high, which might have weakened the effectiveness of the comparison between the groups. Similarly, although male sex has been linked to higher VTE incidence—possibly due to a higher prevalence of smoking and associated increases in blood viscosity with the long-term effect of nicotine in tobacco (21)—our results did not identify male sex as an independent risk factor.

Hyperlipidemia was confirmed as a significant risk factor for VTE after lung cancer surgery in this study. The underlying mechanism may involve vascular endothelial injury and enhanced platelet aggregation caused by high lipid levels. Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides can contribute to atherosclerotic plaque formation, narrowing the vascular lumen, impeding blood flow, and limiting postoperative mobility, thereby increasing thrombotic risk (38). Furthermore, advanced tumor stage (III–IV) was strongly associated with VTE, consistent with earlier reports such as that by Amer et al., who observed VTE incidences of 64.8% in stage III–IV patients compared to 34.2% in stage I–II patients (39). This may be attributed to cancer progression and metastasis exacerbating systemic hypercoagulability (20). Although some evidence suggests that lung adenocarcinoma carries a higher VTE risk compared to squamous cell carcinoma (40), our analysis did not find a statistically significant association between its pathological subtype and postoperative VTE.

Our study identified several surgery-related factors as significant contributors to VTE risk. Specifically, thoracotomy, an operation time ≥ 2 h, and intraoperative blood loss ≥ 200 mL were all independently associated with an increased incidence of VTE following lung cancer surgery. During lung cancer surgery, the clamping and manipulation of major blood vessels can cause trauma to local arteries and veins. Compared to video-assisted thoracic surgery, open thoracotomy inevitably leads to more extensive tissue damage, which elevates systemic stress levels and promotes the release of inflammatory factors. This inflammatory response can induce endothelial cell dysfunction, thereby activating the coagulation system and ultimately promoting thrombus formation (41). Consequently, lung cancer patients undergoing thoracotomy are at a higher risk of developing VTE. Prolonged operative time directly extends both anesthesia duration and immobilization period, which may cause vascular endothelial injury and alter hemodynamics, leading to reduced venous pressure and decreased blood flow velocity, thereby increasing the risk of thrombosis (42, 43). However, the findings of this study indicated that while an operative time of ≥2 h was a risk factor for VTE, a threshold of ≥3 h did not show statistical significance. This discrepancy may be attributed to the limited number of studies included. Increased intraoperative blood loss leads to hemoconcentration, and concomitant peripheral vasoconstriction slows blood flow, collectively promoting thrombosis (44). Additionally, prolonged bed rest after surgery can cause reduced and stagnant blood flow in the lower extremity veins, which may also elevate the risk of thrombosis (45).

Studies have shown that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between BMI and VTE (46). However, in oncology, there is a notable “obesity paradox” phenomenon (47). For lung cancer patients, obesity is associated with better postoperative prognosis and lower incidence. Patients with mild overweight may have a survival advantage when dealing with surgical stress due to better metabolic reserves and nutritional status (47, 48).

Preoperative chemotherapy was also identified as a significant risk factor in our study. Platinum-based agents, in particular, are known to enhance thrombin generation and reduce levels of natural anticoagulants such as proteins S and C. Many chemotherapeutic drugs can directly injure vascular endothelial cells, activate the coagulation system, and suppress fibrinolysis, collectively increasing thrombosis risk (49, 50). Finally, elevated D-dimer—a fibrin degradation product reflecting fibrinolytic activity—was confirmed as a risk factor in this study. It serves as an important biomarker in the diagnosis of thrombosis and pulmonary microvascular embolism (51), and our results support its value in predicting VTE after lung cancer surgery.

5 Limitations

This study has several limitations (1): Only Chinese and English publications were included, potentially overlooking relevant studies in other languages and introducing selection bias (2). Some risk factors (e.g., age ≥ 65 years old, operation time ≥ 2 h, operation time ≥ 3 h, hyperlipidemia, and intraoperative blood loss ≥200 mL) were analyzed based on a limited number of studies and small sample sizes. Due to the limited number of included studies, this may affect the stability of the combined effect values and statistical power. Therefore, the interpretation of the strength of association for these specific factors should be cautious (3). Variability in follow-up durations across the included studies may have affected the accuracy of postoperative VTE incidence estimates (4). Due to the limited availability of data, it was not feasible to evaluate all potential risk factors (5). Specific genetic mutations (e.g., ALK, EGFR, and KRAS) and related targeted therapies (such as EGFR-TKI inhibitors) may have distinct associations with thrombotic risk; however, due to insufficient reporting in the original studies, this aspect could not be incorporated into our analysis. Therefore, it is suggested that multi-center and large-sample epidemiological studies be carried out in the future to further clarify the related risk factors for VTE in patients after lung cancer surgery.

6 Conclusion

This meta-analysis identified the following significant risk factors for postoperative VTE in lung cancer patients: age ≥ 65 years, hyperlipidemia, advanced tumor stage (III–IV), thoracotomy, operation time ≥ 2 h, intraoperative blood loss ≥ 200 mL, abnormal D-dimer levels, and preoperative chemotherapy. Prior to scheduling surgery, clinicians should thoroughly evaluate whether patients exhibit these risk factors to mitigate the incidence of VTE. Future multi-center, large-sample epidemiological studies are recommended to further elucidate the risk factors associated with VTE in this patient population.

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s.

Author contributions

JF: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. YZ: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft. FZ: Writing – review & editing, Validation, Conceptualization, Methodology. RL: Validation, Writing – review & editing, Investigation, Conceptualization. LH: Funding acquisition, Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Methodology. HZ: Funding acquisition, Writing – review & editing, Supervision, Conceptualization, Methodology, Project administration.

Funding

The author(s) declared that financial support was not received for this work and/or its publication.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the authors of the included studies who shared the important data.

Conflict of interest

The author(s) declared that this work was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Generative AI statement

The author(s) declared that Generative AI was not used in the creation of this manuscript.

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Keywords: lung cancer, meta-analysis, postoperative complications, risk factor, venous thromboembolism

Citation: Fu J, Zhou Y, Zhang F, Lv R, Hu L and Zhang H (2026) Risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism in patients with lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front. Med. 12:1699892. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1699892

Received: 05 September 2025; Revised: 21 December 2025; Accepted: 23 December 2025;
Published: 14 January 2026.

Edited by:

Rong Jiang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China

Reviewed by:

Yuanyuan Sun, Tongji University, China
Serafeim Chlapoutakis, Hospital Agios Savvas, Greece

Copyright © 2026 Fu, Zhou, Zhang, Lv, Hu and Zhang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Haiyan Zhang, emhhbmdoeTNAdG1tdS5lZHUuY24=; Lu Hu, SHVsdTExMjc4OUB0bW11LmVkdS5jbg==

These authors share first authorship

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.