Reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism) in inpatients having surgery: summary of NICE guidance

Deep vein thrombosis occurs in over 20% of patients having major surgery and over 40% of patients having major orthopaedic surgery. The postoperative risk of pulmonary embolism can be as high as 5% in the highest risk groups. However, many patients are probably not currently receiving adequate prophylactic measures.1 2 This article summarises the most recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) on how to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism in inpatients having surgery.3 NICE recommendations are based on systematic reviews of best available evidence. When minimal evidence is available, a range of consensus techniques is used to develop recommendations. In this summary, recommendations derived primarily from consensus techniques are indicated with an asterisk (*). ### Assess patient for risk factors Assess patients for the following risk factors, and inform all patients of the risks of venous thromboembolism and the effectiveness of prophylaxis.