Low molecular weight heparin prophylaxis in day case surgery.
BACKGROUND
The role of Low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) in day case/short-stay surgery is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To characterise the current national use of LMWH prophylaxis in specific day and short stay surgeries.


METHODS
A standardised anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to all consultant general surgeons in Ireland. The operations selected were herniorraphy, anorectal, varicose vein and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.


RESULTS
Questionnaires were sent to 82 surgeons in 2003. There was a response rate of 68.3% (56). Fifty-four per cent of respondents said there was a protocol in place for administration of LMWH in day case surgery. Of these 41% were not confident that their protocols were being adhered. Fifty-nine per cent of all respondents said they stratified patients according to individual risk. Thirteen per cent reported occurrence of VTE post day case surgery


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates a heterogeneous pattern of administration of LMWH. In the absence of published validated protocols, the authors suggest a consensus day case protocol.
Shabbir
J
J
Dept of Surgery, Wexford General Hospital, Wexford. Jshabbir@aol.com
Ridgway
P F
PF
Shields
W
W
Evoy
D
D
O'Mahony
J B
JB
Mealy
K
K
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013502:General Surgery; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight