Risk of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in urogynecologic surgical patients.

Abstract

We sought to determine the incidence of symptomatic deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, collectively referred to as venous thromboembolic events (VTE), in patients undergoing urogynecologic surgery to guide development of a VTE prophylaxis policy for this patient population. We conducted a retrospective analysis of VTE incidence among women undergoing urogynecologic surgery over a 3-year period. All patients wore sequential compression devices intraoperatively through hospital discharge. Forty of 1104 patients (3.6%) undergoing urogynecologic surgery were evaluated with chest computed tomography, lower extremity ultrasound, or both for suspicion of VTE postoperatively. The overall rate of venous thromboembolism in this population was 0.3% (95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.8). Most women undergoing incontinence and reconstructive pelvic surgery are at a low risk for VTE. Sequential compression devices appear to provide adequate VTE prophylaxis in this patient population.