BACKGROUND: Compare Davison-Caprini (American) and Sandri (Brazilian) protocols for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, suggesting a new protocol, more comprehensive and applicable. METHOD: A prospective study was conducted over a year, including 212 patients, comparing the protocols on DVT stratification risk, and the type of prophylaxis indicated. A new protocol was proposed, applied and compared to the previous. RESULTS: The new protocol, modified Sandri, restricts the heparin to a select group of patients, similar to the American protocol, and remains suitable for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The low adhesion of plastic surgeons to the routine use of DVT prophylaxis reflects lack of information concerning this topic. The Sandri modified protocol seeks improvement on the understanding and applicability of DVT prophylaxis in plastic surgery.
Venous thrombosis; Embolism and thrombosis; Plastic surgery
