Perioperative VTE prophylaxis
Jun 26, 2025
Are you down with VTE?
VTE prophylaxis – it’s a consideration for every patient that comes through the operating suite doors, so naturally the way we manage it is based on clinical guidelines like the European guidelines on perioperative venous thromboembolism prevention.
When tasks are done day in and day out, it can be easy to lose sight of the important considerations and steps that go into the decision-making process – but luckily, we’re here to break it down for you! Here’s a refresher of some key recommendations and considerations for VTE prophylaxis:
🔹 Risk assessment:
Each patient should be assessed for VTE risk using a validated assessment tool 🩺 with consideration to factors such as age, comorbidities, the type and duration of surgery, and any history of VTE.
🔹 Pharmacological agents:
Depending on the risk assessment, patients may be administered anticoagulant therapy 💉. The timing and dosage of this should align with the most up-to-date evidence and be clearly documented prior to the patient’s discharge from recovery.
🔹 Mechanical prophylaxis:
Mechanical methods, such as graduated compression stockings or sequential compression devices 🦵 can be implemented depending on patient factors and surgery type – especially in patients where pharmacological agents may be contraindicated. The use of mechanical devices should be discussed, agreed upon, and implemented prior to surgery.
🔹 Patient education:
As with all treatment, it’s important that patients are educated and informed 🧠 about their treatment and involved in the decision-making process. Patients should understand the risks of VTE and the importance of the prophylactic measures that have been put in place for them, including their adherence to the prescribed regimen.
🔹 Interdisciplinary collaboration:
It underpins our clinical practice, so it's no surprise that once again, collaborative teamwork 🤝 and communication is one of the most important factors in reducing VTE risk. Surgeons, Anaesthetists and Nursing staff must all work together to ensure there is a clear plan for each and every patient – there is a reason this is part of our team time out!
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References:
Samama, Charles Marc; Afshari, Arash; Grønlykke, Lars; Madsen, Mikkel Herold; Wiberg, Sebastian; Romero, Carolina S.. European guidelines on peri-operative venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: first update.: Executive summary. European Journal of Anaesthesiology 41(8):p 561-569, August 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000002025
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