VTE prophylaxis in breast surgery: Clinical audit of over 5000 patients evaluating a local protocol

Abstract

VTE prophylaxis is an essential component of perioperative care, requiring a careful balance between VTE and haematoma risk. National guidelines exist for general surgery, but none for breast surgery. We designed a VTE prophylaxis protocol consisting of perioperative mechanical prophylaxis, and chemoprophylaxis on the day after the operation. This was evaluated via clinical audit. It was approved by the local audit department but was exempt from ethical approval. The protocol was studied over three consecutive audit cycles between 2014-2021.