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Prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in head and neck surgery: the practice of otolaryngologists

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

K. W. Ah-See ,
J. Kerr  and
D. W. Sim
K. W. Ah-See*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, City Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
J. Kerr
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, City Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
D. W. Sim
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, City Hospital, Edinburgh, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr K. W. Ah-See, Department of Otolaryngology, City Hospital, Greenbank Drive, Edinburgh EH1O 5SB. Fax: 0131-536-6167.
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Abstract

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the surgical patient. The first guideline produced by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network was for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism. Patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery commonly exhibit risk factors for venous thromboembolism. Currently, however, there are no data on its incidence in these patients. A questionnaire survey was performed to assess the current practice of consultant otolaryngologists regarding DVT prophylaxis in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery. Of those respondents who managed these patients, 57 per cent did not use routine DVT prophylaxis while 43 per cent did. A wide variety of techniques were employed among those practising DVT prophylaxis.

A consensus is needed concerning the use of thromboembolism prophylaxis in head and neck surgery patients.

Keywords

Deep venous thrombosisPulmonary embolismHead and neck neoplasms
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 111 , Issue 9 , September 1997 , pp. 845 - 849
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1997

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