Practice patterns in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: a survey of 606 reconstructive breast surgeons.

Current practice patterns for venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in autogenous breast reconstruction are unknown. A web-based survey on VTE prophylaxis was distributed to all American Society of Plastic Surgery members in the United States with a clinical interest in autogenous tissue breast reconstruction (N = 3584). A total of 606 completed surveys were returned for a response rate of 16.9%. Overall compliance with established guidelines was low (25%). High volume surgeons (43% vs. 22%) and surgeons in academic practice (42% vs. 22%) were significantly more likely to report prophylaxis regimens consistent with American College of Chest Physicians guidelines (ACCP) recommendations. Subgroup analysis of 72 surgeons who specifically report conformance to ACCP guidelines demonstrated only 38% actually provided prophylaxis consistent with ACCP recommendations. VTE is a potentially fatal complication of autogenous breast reconstruction. Further research is necessary to create VTE prophylaxis guidelines specific to patients undergoing these procedures. The need for surgeon education on appropriate prophylaxis cannot be overemphasized.