Thrombosis prophylaxis in otorhinolaryngology

Abstract

Introduction: Thrombosis prophylaxis is a medical indication, often times overlooked, backed by a considerable body of evidence. However, its need and use in the areas of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery are still to be precised. Aim: To assess the need for thrombosis prophylaxis and to document its use in ORL, comparing the results with the international recommendations for its use. Material and Method: Retrospective review of medical records of ORL patients hospitalized during the month of March 2007 in the five centers that provide postgraduate ORL training in Santiago, Chile. The existence of thromboembolic disease risk factors (moderate, high or very high) and the use or not of thrombosis prophylaxis were documented. Results: From a cohort of 545 patients, 119 presented risk factors for thrombosis (21.8% of the sample); 10.2% (m=56) had moderate risk, 5.9% (n=32) high risk and 5.7% (n=31) very high risk. Thrombosis prophylaxis was used in only 12.6% of the patients that had it indicated. Discussion and Conclusion: This work demonstrate that more than 20% of the reviewed patients had an indication for thrombosis prophylaxis; however, only in 12.6% of cases adequate prophylaxis was used. Utilization of thrombosis prophylaxis protocols is a useful tool in order to improve the use of this widely accepted measure.