Table 3 Other measures reportedly used by surgeons to minimise VTE risk (N = 340)
Measure | Frequency (%) |
|---|---|
Pre-surgery | |
Prescribes exercise, weight loss, hydro and/or physiotherapy, and requires patients be smoke-free for 6 weeks prior to surgery | 4 (1.2) |
Avoids patients on HRT or ceases it pre-surgery | 4 (1.2) |
Admits patients on day of surgery | 3 (0.9) |
During surgery | |
Regional anaesthesia | 41 (12.1) |
Avoids/minimises tourniquet use | 24 (7.1) |
Intra-articular anaesthesia | 11 (3.2) |
Intraoperative mechanical prophylaxis | 9 (2.6) |
Ensures minimal operation times | 3 (0.9) |
Intraoperative heparin | 2 (0.6) |
Avoids bilateral operations | 1 (0.3) |
Inferior vena cava filter (with warfarin) in high risk patients | 1 (0.3) |
Post-surgery | |
Early mobilisation | 311 (91.5) |
Hydration | 23 (6.8) |
Ankle and bed exercises | 20 (5.9) |
Limb elevation | 9 (2.6) |
Early hospital discharge | 3 (0.9) |
Ensures ‘good’ postoperative analgesia | 2 (0.6) |