Abstract
With current clinical practice, postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk is
not only well controlled, but it is steadily decreasing, especially in orthopaedic
surgery, thanks to fast-track and day case procedures, new surgical techniques, and
potent antithrombotic agents. Thromboprophylaxis is becoming increasingly adapted
to these patients. Aspirin is also extensively prescribed in total hip replacement
and total knee replacement procedures in the United States and Australia. Mechanical
prophylaxis is sometimes applied alone but most often combined with anticoagulant
agents. However, large evidence-based studies are still needed to confirm these optimistic
tendencies. In the meantime, physicians have to keep strong control over the VTE risk
to prevent the reappearance of pulmonary embolism after admission to the surgical
wards.
Keywords
venous thromboembolism prophylaxis - fast-track surgery - orthopaedic surgery - aspirin
- mechanical prophylaxis
