INTRODUCTION: Thromboembolic events are a serious concern due to the high rates of morbidity and mortality as well as the possibility of existing disease presenting with scarce and often nonspecific symptoms. Prevention is the most effective management method for this kind of event, which can quickly lead to death once it occurs. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between May 2009 and May 2010 on patients undergoing plastic surgery at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute. All patients underwent the protocol for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after being assessed for risk factors. These factors were summed to generate a score, which determined the prophylaxis to be implemented. RESULTS: During one year, 1351 patients were assessed. There was no incidence of venous thromboembolism. There were 16 cases of hematoma, 9 (56.25%) of which occurred after heparin prophylaxis and 7 (43.75%) of which occurred without the use of prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol for the prevention of venous thromboembolism at the Ivo Pitanguy Institute was effective, with no occurrence of VTE cases and the incidence of hematomas remained below that found in the medical literature.
Venous thromboembolism; Venous thrombosis; Plastic surgery
