ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE), reviews the efficacy and safety of various prophylactic regimens, and provides recommendations regarding the most suitable prophylaxis based on the estimated risk. A number of patient characteristics have been identified as independent risk factors for VTE. The absolute incidence of VTE is strongly and directly related to body mass index, and inversely related to physical activity. The VTE risk profile of contemporary hospitalized patients has gradually increased, with most carrying more than one recognized risk factor. Furthermore, most cases of VTE occur in the peri-hospitalization period. Surgery represents a major risk for VTE, and varies by the type, duration, and indication for surgery, type of anesthesia, associated risk factors, and patient-specific variables, including age. In general, the provision, type, and duration of prophylaxis should reflect the individual patient’s risk of VTE balanced against the risk of major bleeding associated with the exposure.
