[Prophylaxis and management of postoperative pulmonary embolism in lung surgery]

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the common condition of disease specified as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), and PE is well known as one of the most important acute and chronic complications after thoracic surgery. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of low dose unfractionated heparins in the treatment and prevention of VTE, in addition to non-pharmacological interventions such as elastic stockings or intermittent sequential pneumatic compression (ISPC) aimed at reducing thrombotic risk. Even in nonsurgical patients, anticoagulation therapy carries a potential risk of exacerbating a bleeding complication, whereas administration of anticoagulation drugs in surgical patients carries an even greater risk of bleeding complications. In addition, use of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters or thrombolytic agents in patients with surgery also remains controversial. Prophylaxis in patients with VTE has received recommendations in many clinical guidelines, however, when the VTE is suspected, immediate and accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment become important.