Compliance in Screening of High-risk Patients of Venous Thromboembolism and Necessary Thromboprophylaxis in the Department of Laparoscopic and General Surgery in Our Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potentially avoidable complication in surgical patients. Sequalae of VTE, most dreaded of which is pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of death and disability particularly in high risk patients. Screening of high risk patients posted for surgery and initiating preventive measures including starting appropriate prophylaxis may go a long way in reducing morbidity and mortality. Material and Methods: We prospectively included 200 consecutive patients admitted in the Department of Laparoscopic, Laser and General Surgery in Sir Ganga Ram Hospital from 1 st July 2023. We studied the compliance of screening for high-risk patients for VTEs and whether appropriate VTE prophylaxis advised and started for the admitted patients according to the guidelines within a stipulated time period by the Resident doctors and the nursing staff. The assessment of the data entered and data analysis was done by an independent observer who is not part of the treating team. Results: Compliance with the Screening guidelines for VTE was seen in 64% of all admissions. A complete VTE assessment was possible in 61% of patients and starting appropriate mechanical and/or thrombo-prophylaxis as necessary within the stipulated time of 1 hour was possible in 56% of the patients. Conclusion: Compliance to protocols of screening and initiation of appropriate prophylaxis was satisfactory and similar to the data in published literature. Continuing the audit and assessment of data for a longer duration may continue to show compliance and improvement in the long run.