A significant proportion of venous thromboembolism events in general surgical patients occurs after discharge: analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Essentials database

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in general surgical patients. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP database was queried and VTE data were collected and analyzed to assess the incidence of VTE at a 500-bed, non-profit, teaching, inner city, community hospital and similar peer institutions from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2011. RESULTS: Post-discharge VTE events accounted for 40% of all VTE events within 30 days of discharge. Data show a significant proportion of post-discharge VTE events that may be preventable with extending VTE prophylaxis in the post-discharge period. CONCLUSION: This is the first paper to report on this high post-discharge incidence of VTE in general surgical patients and to recommend continuation of VTE prophylaxis in the post-discharge period.