Summary
The incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Asian populations is
generally thought to be lower than in Western populations, and the use of thromboprophylaxis
after surgery is not routine. This paper is authored by the Asia-Pacific Thrombosis
Advisory Board. To provide guidance on the most effective postoperative thrombo prophylaxis
management, this paper reviews the available data on the incidence of VTE in Asian
populations, considers current clinical guidelines for the prevention of VTE to determine
whether these guidelines are applicable to Asian populations, and evaluates the potential
of new thromboprophylactic agents. Based on the available evidence, it was agreed
that VTE represents a genuine problem in Asian patients, although the exact incidence
in local populations requires confirmation in large, well-designed clinical trials.
Furthermore, there was consensus that current guideline recommendations for the routine
use of postoperative thromboprophylaxis should be implemented in Asia, and that new
oral agents now available represent an effective and potentially more convenient therapeutic
option. In conclusion, we call for recognition that VTE is an issue in Asian patients,
and that effective thromboprophylaxis is the most important strategy.
Keywords
Anticoagulation - postoperative venous thromboembolism - thromboprophylaxis