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Fatal pulmonary embolism associated with surgery. An autopsy study
O Hauch1, L N Jørgensen, S C Khattar
1Department of Surgery D, Gentofte Hospital, Denmark.
Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) is a significant risk following surgery. In 1986, PE caused 16 postoperative deaths, with many preventable and lacking prophylaxis.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Pathology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of hospital mortality.
- Postoperative PE poses a significant clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze autopsy records for fatal pulmonary embolism cases.
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of postoperative PE.
Main Methods:
- Review of autopsy records from two major Danish hospitals in 1986.
- Analysis of 2,609 hospital deaths and 1,603 post-mortem examinations.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary embolism was the primary cause of 74 deaths.
- 16 of these deaths were postoperative, with a median age of 72.
- 9 cases had a favorable prognosis without PE; only 3 received prophylaxis.
- Estimated incidence of fatal postoperative PE was 1.2-1.3 per thousand.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative pulmonary embolism is a critical concern with a notable incidence.
- A significant proportion of fatal postoperative PEs may be preventable.
- Thromboembolic prophylaxis is underutilized in at-risk surgical patients.