Prevention

• thigh-length graduated compression stockings ^a

• It reduces DVT and PE in patients having major surgery  if worn until discharge or full mobility. ^a
• It saves money - using compression stockings is more cost-effective than doing nothing. ^b

Graduated compression stockings reduce symptomatic venous thromboembolism

Patient	Treatment	Comparison	Outcome	CER	OR (95% CI)	NNT (95% CI)
major  surgery a	compression stockings until discharge	no stockings	symptomatic venous thromboembolism at 60 days	26%	0.34 (0.25 to 0.46)	7 (6 to 8)

• Mechanical devices (compression stockings, calf or foot pumps) reduce DVT in elderly patients after surgery for proximal hip fractures. ^a

Mechanical devices reduce DVT in elderly patients having surgery for a hip fracture

Patient	Treatment	Comparison	Outcome	CER	OR (95% CI)	NNT (95% CI)
elderly with a hip fracture a	mechanical devices	nothing	DVT at discharge	20%	0.24 (0.13 to 0.44)	7 (6 to 10)