PMID: 16525957Mar 10, 2006Paper

Risk factors and prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis in neurosurgery

Surgical Technology International
Sarah F SmithLali H S Sekhon

Abstract

Acceptance is increasing for pharmacological prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) for most types of surgery, but its use remains controversial in neurosurgical patients because of the threat of catastrophic hemorrhage. Consequently, mechanical measures such as sequential calf compression and graduated compression stockings are currently the preferred prophylaxis for neurosurgical patients. However, some patients remain at high risk despite these measures and may require prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparins or unfractionated heparin. In neurosurgical patients, known risk factors for DVT or PE include advanced age, malignancy, limb weakness, prolonged surgery, and cranial as opposed to spinal surgery. Using comprehensive neurosurgery databases, the authors identify more specific neurosurgical diagnoses and procedures as risk factors for DVT and PE, and show increases in the frequency of DVT and PE for the wider neurosurgery population and for glioma patients over time. DVT prophylaxis is compared in public and private hospital settings. This chapter contributes to the changing picture of DVT and PE in neurosurgical patients over the last two decades.

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved