Back to Search Start Over

Does thromboprophylaxis prevent venous thromboembolism after major orthopedic surgery?

Authors :
Evrim Eylem Akpinar
Derya Hosgun
Burak Akan
Can Ates
Meral Gulhan
Source :
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia, Vol 39, Iss 3, Pp 280-286 (2013)
Publication Year :
2013
Publisher :
Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia, 2013.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an important complication of major orthopedic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and factors influencing the development of VTE in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery in a university hospital. METHODS: Patients who underwent major orthopedic surgery (hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, or femur fracture repair) between February of 2006 and June of 2012 were retrospectively included in the study. The incidences of PE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were evaluated, as were the factors influencing their development, such as type of operation, age, and comorbidities. RESULTS: We reviewed the medical records of 1,306 patients. The proportions of knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty, and femur fracture repair were 63.4%, 29.9%, and 6.7%, respectively. The cumulative 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 72 h after surgery. Patients undergoing femur fracture repair, those aged ≥ 65 years, and bedridden patients were at a higher risk for developing VTE. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that VTE was a significant complication of major orthopedic surgery, despite the use of thromboprophylaxis. Clinicians should be aware of VTE, especially during the perioperative period and in bedridden, elderly patients (≥ 65 years of age).

Details

Language :
English, Portuguese
ISSN :
18063756 and 18063713
Volume :
39
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4ea6bed2a4af4544a758bf2aa700560d
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132013000300004