Symptomatic venous thromboembolism after trauma surgery : a study on 56.884 procedures

Abstract

Patients undergoing trauma surgery are at significant risk for developing thromboembolism. Venous thromboembolism rates, especially after less common surgical procedures are unknown. The purpose of this study is to establish data on the incidence of venous thromboembolism in trauma practice following a surgical procedure.

All surgical trauma procedures between 2006 and 2011 were identified within the Achmea Health Database. This database records medical care to persons insured at the Achmea health insurance company. This is the largest health insurance company in the Netherlands. In the year following the surgical procedure we analyzed if a claim was filed concerning a deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

56.884 surgical trauma procedures were included in the analysis and followed for one year thereafter. Venous thromboembolism development was raised most markedly until 100 days after the surgical procedure. Relatively high incidences of venous thromboembolism were found after surgical lower extremity and pelvic procedures.

The present large database study provides a com- prehensive view on the epidemiology of venous thromboembolism after different traumatic injuries requiring a surgical procedure.