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Published on: November 19, 2019
Venous thromboembolic events in hand surgery
Aziz Haque1, Mohammed S Patel1, Bobby Siddiqui1
1Trauma and Orthopaedic Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) events are rare after hand surgery, with an incidence of 0.006%. Prophylaxis is likely unnecessary, saving significant costs associated with preventative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Vascular Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Venous thromboembolism (VTE) risks are well-documented after hip and knee replacements.
- The incidence and necessity of VTE prophylaxis following hand surgery remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of VTE events in patients undergoing elective and trauma hand surgery.
- To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of VTE thromboprophylaxis in hand surgery.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of UK National Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data from 2010-2012.
- Inclusion of local VTE rates and cost assessment based on British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) guidelines.
Main Results:
- A total of 334,211 hand surgical procedures were analyzed.
- 13 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 27 pulmonary embolism (PE) events were recorded, primarily in patients with comorbidities.
- The annual incidence of VTE was found to be at most 0.006%.
Conclusions:
- VTE is a rare complication of isolated elective or trauma hand surgery.
- Routine VTE thromboprophylaxis may not be necessary, presenting potential cost savings compared to treatment costs.
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