[Perioperative thromboprophylaxis in adults].

According to the concept of Virchow, alterations of the blood flow, vascular injury and hypercoagulability of the blood (due to inherited or acquired thrombophilia or as a consequence of perioperative coagulation activation) are causally related to the risk of venous thrombosis. The overall risk of venous thromboembolic events in the perioperative setting ranges between <10% and >50%. The risk is highest in patients undergoing major orthopaedic surgery or cancer surgery. The aim of perioperative thrombosis prophylaxis is to reduce perioperative morbidity and mortality. The article discusses patient- and intervention-dependent thromboprophylactic measures. Recent recommendations for non-pharmacological and pharmacological prophylaxis are presented including the information on the beginning and duration of anticoagulation. Management strategies for patients undergoing abdominal and orthopaedic surgery as well as special aspects of the neurosurgical population and of cancer surgery are highlighted.