Guideline No. 417: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Gynaecological Surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide gynaecologists with an algorithm and evidence to guide the use of thromboprophylaxis in gynaecological surgery.

TARGET POPULATION: All patients undergoing gynaecological surgery for benign or malignant indications.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS: The implementation of this guideline will benefit patients undergoing gynaecological surgery and provide physicians with a standard algorithm for the use of perioperative thromboprophylaxis.

EVIDENCE: The following search terms were entered into MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane in 2017 and 2018: VTE, PE, DVT, thromboprophylaxis, gynaecological surgery, heparin, graduated compression stocking, intermittent pneumatic stocking, obesity, pediatrics, minimally invasive surgery, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, regional anesthesia). Articles included were randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and observational studies. Additional publications were identified from the reference lists of these articles. There were no date limits, but search results were limited to English language articles only. Searches were updated and incorporated into the guideline up to September 2018.

VALIDATION

METHODS

The authors rated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. See online Appendix A (Tables A1 for definitions and A2 for interpretations of strong and weak recommendations).

INTENDED USERS: Gynaecologists and other members of the surgical team. RECOMMENDATIONS (GRADE RATINGS IN PARENTHESES).