Does thromboprophylaxis prevent venous thromboembolism after major orthopedic surgery?
Citation
Akpınar, E.E., Hosgun, D., Akan, B., Ates, C., & Gulhan, M. (2013). Does thromboprophylaxis prevent venous thromboembolism after major orthopedic surgery? Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia, 39(3), 280-286. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132013000300004Abstract
Objective: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an important complication of major orthopedic surgery. The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and factors influencing the developmentof VTE in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery in a university hospital. Methods: Patients whounderwent major orthopedic surgery (hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, or femur fracture repair) betweenFebruary of 2006 and June of 2012 were retrospectively included in the study. The incidences of PE and deepvein thrombosis (DVT) were evaluated, as were the factors influencing their development, such as type ofoperation, age, and comorbidities. Results: We reviewed the medical records of 1,306 patients. The proportionsof knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty, and femur fracture repair were 63.4%, 29.9%, and 6.7%, respectively. Thecumulative incidence of PE and DVT in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery was 1.99% and 2.22%,respectively. Most of the patients presented with PE and DVT (61.5% and 72.4%, respectively) within the first 72h after surgery. Patients undergoing femur fracture repair, those aged ? 65 years, and bedridden patients wereat a higher risk for developing VTE. Conclusions: Our results show that VTE was a significant complication ofmajor orthopedic surgery, despite the use of thromboprophylaxis. Clinicians should be aware of VTE, especiallyduring the perioperative period and in bedridden, elderly patients (? 65 years of age).