[Principles for thrombosis prevention at surgery departments in Denmark]

In 1995 all surgical departments in Denmark were asked to reply to a questionnaire about their use of postoperative thromboprophylaxis. Response rate was 95%. Ninety-two percent of the departments performing major surgery routinely used prophylaxis, in 84% of these according to prior written instructions, but still only 36% use prophylaxis in emergency surgery. The indications and methods used are in accordance with recommendations in the literature. The use of aspirin as prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism should be avoided, and the use of prophylaxis in emergency surgery should be improved. The most commonly used method was low molecular weight heparin (82%) often in combination with graduated elastic stockings. There is no longer any doubt about the need for prophylaxis. The tasks of the future are to identify the risk groups and establish the duration of prophylaxis.