Venous thromboembolism in over 16s: reducing the risk of hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism

Recommendation ID: NG89/5
Question: Duration of prophylaxis for elective total hip replacement surgery:- What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of standard versus extended duration pharmacological prophylaxis for preventing VTE in people undergoing elective total hip replacement surgery?
Any explanatory notes (if applicable): Why this is important:- In 2015, there were 84,462 hip replacements in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The current recommended duration of prophylaxis is 28 days in the elective total hip replacement population. This extended duration of prophylaxis is based on few, small and older trials. The quality of the
evidence supporting extended duration prophylaxis is very low. Modern pharmaceutical trials of newer interventions use extended duration prophylaxis based on these historical data, with the added incentive of more expensive prophylaxis strategies. There is a large potential cost saving if a shorter duration of prophylaxis is as clinically effective, given the considerable cost of prophylaxis and the number of people for whom it is prescribed.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance: Venous thromboembolism in over 16s: reducing the risk of hospital-acquired deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Number: NG89
Date issued: March 2018

Is this a recommendation for the use of a technology only in the context of research?	No
Is it a recommendation that suggests collection of data or the establishment of a register?	No
Last Reviewed	31/03/2018