Venous thromboembolism (surgical)

Summary

The advice in this NICE guideline covers adults who are at risk of developing a blood clot because they are having an operation that requires an overnight stay in hospital. These operations include:

• hip or knee surgery
• abdominal surgery
• gynaecological surgery (but not caesarean section)
• surgery on the brain, spine, heart, lungs, kidneys or bladder
• surgery on the arteries or veins.

It does not specifically look at preventing blood clots in:

• children or young people under 18 years old
• adults who are at risk of developing blood clots for reasons other than having an operation.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• CG46 Venous thromboembolism: Full guideline - Appendices
• CG46 Venous thromboembolism: Full guideline
• CG46 Venous thromboembolism: NICE guideline (MS Word format)
• CG46 Venous thromboembolism: NICE guideline
• CG46 Venous thromboembolism: Quick reference guide

For patients, carers and the public

• CG46 Venous thromboembolism: Understanding NICE guidance (MS Word format)
• CG46 Venous thromboembolism: Understanding NICE guidance

Background information

• April 2008 - Update: discussions between NICE and the British Orthopaedic Association

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• Venous thromboembolism: Costing report
• Venous thromboembolism: Costing template
• CG46 Venus thromboembolism: Costing clinical guideline pro forma