Diagnosis and Prevention of Thromboembolism in Neurosurgical Patients

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is seen in 29% to 43% and 3%of neurosurgical patients respectively, however, only 10% to 17% of cases of DVT in neurosurgical patients produce clinical symptoms. A strong correlation between brain tumors and thromboembolic complications exists. Risk factors include leg paresis, age, tumor size and chemotherapy, pathology of glioblastoma multiforme and operation time longer than four hours. Preventive measures include Sequential compression devices (SCDs) (e.g. calf compression boots), heparin, and combination method; however, the preventive choice is controversial. In this article different studies regarding prevention of thromboembolic complication of the neurosurgical patients is reviewed.