Graduate surgical trainee attitudes toward postoperative thromboprophylaxis

Background. Postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) results in significant morbidity and mortality Appropriate patient risk assessment and proper use of prophylactic measures is crucial. Methods. We conducted a confidential survey of general surgery house staff. The survey addressed DVT risk factor recognition, proximal and distal DVT absolute risk estimation, DVT prophylaxis strategies, and vena cava filter and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) use. Results, Obesity, immobility, malignancy, and previous DVT were overwhelmin gly recognized as risk factors. Age >40, recent myocardial infarction, lupu s anticoagulant, varicose veins, and factor V Leiden were inadequately reco gnized as risks. Deep vein thrombosis risk in the setting of cancer was und erestimated. Most selected appropriate prophylactic strategies; many misund erstood vena cava filter and Lh LMWH indications. Conclusions. We have identified specific areas of misunderstanding about DV T risk and prophylaxis that, if appropriately addressed during educational sessions, will enable young surgeons to make safer and more effective futur e decisions regarding thromboprophylaxis.