Audit of Superficial Temporal Artery Biopsies (TAB) for Suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Abstract

between VTE and postoperative complications, length of stay, mortality and costs in Head and Neck Cancer (HNCA) surgery. The medical records of 50 patients that underwent major HNCA surgery over a 12 months period were reviewed and the data collected on patient demographics, risk of VTE at pre-assessment, risk of bleeding, type of VTE prophylaxis, timing of VTE prophylaxis, and complications. Seventy two percent of patients were assessed for VTE at pre-assessment and 58% within 24 hrs of admission. Ninety three percent were given Thrombo-embolic deterrant stockings and 58% were prescribed pharmacological VTE prophylaxis 6-12 hrs after surgery. Ten percent of patients developed complications.We also present on the type and timing of chemical VTE prophylaxis and the cost incurred and financial loss due to lack of compliance to VTE assessment. We propose recommendations to improve VTE assessment and prophylaxis in HNCA patients.