Background: The optimal approach for assessing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing plastic surgery is yet to be established. This study aimed to determine the validity of the Caprini Risk Assessment Scale in identifying patients undergoing plastic surgery who are at a high risk of developing VTE.
Methods: Between December 2014 and November 2015, we enrolled 90 patients. Risk factors for VTE were assessed at baseline. The Caprini Risk Assessment Model was used to stratify patients into Caprini <4, Caprini 5-6, Caprini 7-8, and Caprini >8 groups before examination. We preoperatively screened for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using duplex ultrasound. During operation, surgical duration and blood loss were recorded. Duplex ultrasound was repeated 2 and 7 days postoperatively to evaluate for DVT. We used a univariate analysis to determine risk factors for postoperative VTE. Confounding predictors were finally tested using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: One patient had preoperative DVT and was excluded from the study. Eighty-nine patients were included in the final analyses. Of the 89 patients, 7 (8%) developed postoperative DVT. Mean age, body mass index, Caprini score, and surgical duration were significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative DVT. Variables associated with increased risk of postoperative DVT using univariate analysis were Caprini scores of 7-8 and >8. Multivariate logistic regression analysis finally identified Caprini scores 7-8 [odds ratio (OR) 13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67-101.98, P = 0.014] and >8 (OR 19.5, 95% CI 1.02-371.96, P = 0.048) to be independently associated with postoperative DVT.
Conclusions: Although the incidence of postoperative DVT is relatively low among patients undergoing plastic surgery, Caprini scores can be used to predict postoperative VTE complications.
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