Prolonged and increased postoperative risk of venous thromboembolism: rationale for even more 'extended' prophylaxis?

Overview

It is well known that the risk of venous thromboembolism is increased after surgery; however, specific data on how long this risk lasts or how the risk varies by type of surgery is limited. The Million Women Study is a population-based prospective study that recruited 1.3 million women through the National Health Service breast screening program. This study used data from the Million Women Study to examine the magnitude and the duration of the risk of venous thromboembolism after different types of surgery with a mean follow-up duration of 6.2 years. The risk was found to be higher and longer lasting than previously thought, with considerable variation among different types of surgery; therefore, raising important questions regarding the optimal duration of prophylaxis.