Managing VTE risk post-surgery: Situations that warrant special care

Episode 2: Dr. Abhay Bhave and Dr. Samama Charles Marc

This podcast has a discussion about managing VTE risk post-surgery and experts involved in the discussion are  Dr. Abhay Bhave and Dr. Samama Charles Marc.

Surgery is a major risk factor for the development of VTE. About 20% of all new VTE cases have recent surgery as provoking factor in hospitalized patients. After major surgery, the risk of VTE is substantially elevated for at least 12 weeks. 63% of postoperative VTE events occur after cancer surgery/non-orthopaedic surgery. The risk of VTE varies depending on the type of surgery and on patient characteristics.

VTE assessments are effective at optimizing the implementation of VTE prophylaxis and reducing preventable VTE. In surgical populations, 45–57% of VTE related to medical hospitalization occur during the hospitalization itself. The risk of VTE is highest immediately after hospitalization and remains elevated for up to 3 months after admission.

According to ACCP, for patients undergoing laparoscopic procedures in whom additional VTE risk factors are present, recommendations are to use thromboprophylaxis with one or more of LMWH, LDUH, fondaparinux, IPC, or GCS.