Marked variation in venous thromboprophylaxis management for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; results of survey amongst vascular surgeons in the United kingdom.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to survey the current management of venous thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by vascular surgeons in the United Kingdom.

DESIGN

A questionnaire was designed to investigate anticoagulation strategies in the perioperative period of elective AAA repair, both open and endovascular. This included both chemical and mechanical prophylaxis. A total of 395 questionnaires was posted to the members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-two (44%) valid responses were received. Half of the respondents administered pre-operative chemical prophylaxis at a mean of 13 h prior to AAA surgery. There was a high level of concordance in administration of heparin during surgery and in thromboprophylaxis post-operatively, with 97% giving some form of thromboprophylaxis. However there was a variation in the dose and timing, if administered, of chemical and mechanical prophylaxis.

CONCLUSION

The survey revealed diversity in perioperative thromboprophylaxis strategies among vascular surgeons. This suggests that standardisation of pre-operative and post-operative mechanical and chemical thromboprophylaxis may be required which could potentially improve the outcomes in elective management of AAA in the UK.