Update on In Hospital Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis

The surgical and hereditary risk factors for post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE) are discussed and the heightened risk associated with particular risk factors quantified. Mechanical and pharmacological methods of prophylaxis are described, together with the different recommendations for use with general and regional anaesthesia. Prophylaxis may be started post-operatively and the duration of prophylaxis is discussed. The use of prophylaxis in vascular surgery is illustrated with case examples.

Keywords: Deep venous thrombosis, Venous thrombosis, Fatal pulmonary embolism, Prophylaxis