Abstract
Objective: Describe prophylactic measures that can be used in prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients who underwent surgical procedure. Bibliographic review: Deep venous thrombosis is a common and silent cause of preventable death, due to the lack of prophylaxis and low knowledge by health professionals. This disease can occur both during hospitalization and post-discharge. Currently effective methods for DVT prophylaxis in surgical patients, among other divisions, can be pharmacological and mechanical. The most common pharmacological prophylaxis are low molecular weight heparina (LMW), like enoxaparin, rivaroxaban (factor Xa inhibitor), dabigatran, available as prodrug (dabigatran etexylade) and fondaparinux. Mechanical prophylactic methods can be used in conjunction or not with the pharmacological methods, including early ambulation, graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression boots (ICP). Final considerations: It is concluded that deep venous thromboembolism in surgical patients is a common and avoidable condition and prophylactic measures such as the association of mechanical and pharmacological are highly effective and necessary for this prevention.