Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis

Use of anticoagulants to prevent thrombosis in high-risk patients: after major surgery, in prolonged immobilization, in acutely ill hospitalized patients, and in cancer. Risk scores include Caprini for surgery and Padua for medical patients. ACCP 2021 and ESC 2024 list low-molecular-weight heparins (enoxaparin), fondaparinux, or low-dose direct oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban, apixaban) as preferred agents. Duration ranges from 7 days in general surgery to 35 days after orthopedic procedures.

ICD-10 Z79.01 drug

Also known as: VTE prophylaxis, DVT/PE prophylaxis

Drugs used for this condition

AEnoxaparin sodiumFirst line · Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)First-line for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after major surgery and in hospitalized acutely ill medical patients per ACCP 2021 and ESC 2024. Standard dose: 40 mg subcutaneously once daily in general surgery; 30 mg twice daily or 40 mg once daily in orthopedic surgery. Duration: 7–10 days in general surgery, up to 35 days after major orthopedic procedures (hip and knee replacement, hip fracture).

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit