Proportion of surgical patients prescribed VTE prophylaxis upon admission

Abstract

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients, particularly those undergoing surgery. Postoperative patients are at an increased risk of developing VTE due to multiple factors, including immobility, endothelial damage, and changes in coagulation. Guidelines from international bodies such as the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommend the use of pharmacological and mechanical prophylaxis for VTE in surgical patients, tailored to their risk profiles. Surgical patients, especially those undergoing major surgeries, are at heightened risk for thromboembolic events, leading to recommendations for risk assessment and timely prescription of thromboprophylaxis. Inadequate VTE prophylaxis in surgical settings can result in preventable complications. It has been shown that timely administration of prophylactic measures, including low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), and mechanical methods such as graduated compression stockings, can significantly reduce the risk of VTE development.