Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis After Nonorthopedic Surgical Procedures

Stratification of the risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) revolves around identification of patient-centered and surgery-centered risk factors. Several VTE risk stratification methods have been developed, including the Rogers and Caprini scores. Patients undergoing abdominopelvic surgery for malignancy are at very high risk for VTE. Clinicians should consider 4 weeks of VTE prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin or low-dose unfractionated heparin for these patients after discharge. Patient preferences and values should be incorporated into decisions regarding VTE prophylaxis.