Survey of the use of thromboprophylaxis in laparoscopic surgery in Denmark.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to determine the current use of thromboprophylaxis for laparoscopic surgery in Denmark.


METHODS
Postal questionnaires were sent to all Danish surgical departments that performed laparoscopic surgery according to the National Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Database.


RESULTS
There was a written protocol for thromboprophylaxis in 93 per cent of the responding departments. In 37 per cent thromboprophylaxis was used for all patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery; only 7 per cent used thromboprophylaxis sporadically. All departments used low molecular weight heparin, 74 per cent in combination with graduated compression stockings. The criteria for using thromboprophylaxis varied greatly; in many departments conversion of the procedure to an open operation was not considered a criterion. Some 20 per cent of the departments reported previous thromboembolic complications following laparoscopic surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the widespread use of thromboprophylaxis, symptomatic thromboembolic complications were reported from several departments. Further studies are needed to determine whether laparoscopic surgery should be considered a high-risk procedure.
Filtenborg Tvedskov
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T
Centre for Clinical Thrombosis Research, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, HS Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Rasmussen
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MS
Wille-Jørgensen
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P
D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001458:Bandages; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000379:methods*; D003718:Denmark; D006306:Health Surveys; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D011364:Professional Practice; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight