Alternative physical treatments for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in surgical patients: a systematic review (original) (raw)
Prolonged immobilization due to surgery increases the risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), a condition with significant healthcare costs and patient morbidity. Standard prophylactic measures, like early mobilization and low-molecular weight heparin, may not be suitable for all patients. Alternative physical treatments such as bandaging, massage therapy, and neuromuscular electrostimulation have been proposed but lack robust evidence. This systematic review aims to evaluate these alternative interventions for DVT prophylaxis in surgical patients, utilizing rigorous criteria and comprehensive literature searches to assess their clinical utility.