British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons (BEAVRS)-based survey on venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in vitreoretinal (VR) surgery

Sir,

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important cause of death in hospital patients. The House of Commons Health Committee¹ reported that around 25 000 people die from preventable hospital-acquired VTE every year. A UK survey suggested that 71% of patients at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) did not receive any form of VTE prophylaxis.² Recent NICE guidance³ did not specifically address ophthalmology patients, but advised to not routinely offer VTE prophylaxis to patients having surgery under local anaesthesia (LA) without limitation of mobility. Although this could include most cataract patients, VR patients due to prolonged operating time/posturing offer a dilemma.

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