Venous Thromboembolism in Women Undergoing Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery With Mechanical Prophylaxis Alone

摘要

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major postoperative complication associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality. Surgical patients can be stratified into different risk categories for a VTE event based on age, duration of surgery, and other clinical characteristics. Women undergoing pelvic reconstructive surgery are considered to be a high-risk group because they are generally older, and their procedures are associated with prolonged operative times. Although reported rates of VTE are low in women undergoing this type of surgical procedure, the substantial clinical impact and cost associated with a VTE event highlight the need to identify patients at high risk. Recommendations for perioperative VTE prophylaxis include postoperative ambulation in patients at low risk and-the use of intermittent pneumatic compression (EPC) devices with or without pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in those at higher risk.