To Örebro University

Introduction: In 2017 a work panel under the European Association of Urology (EAU) pubslished the first comprehensive guideline specific to urology. The guideline offers practical evidence based guidance on use of tromboproprophylaxis (TP). Prior to this guideline publication, a previous questionaire (The NoRenCa-2 study) suggested a high degree of variation in TP practice in renal surgery across the nordic countries. We sought to examine the current practice at different urological departments accross the nordic region.

Materials and Method: A questionaire was distrubuted by e-mail to urological departments performing renal surgery. The questionnaire addressed familiarity with The American College of Chest Physicians (AACP), The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), EAU, local and national guidelines and adressed TP practice specific for renal surgical procedures.

Results: Eighty-four sites were invited to complete the questionarie (reponse rate 45.9%). Participants expressed familiarity with the local (71.8%) guidelines followed by EAU (61.5%), National (41.0%) and AACP (7.7%) guidelines. Local (64.1%) guidelines was adhered to the most followed by EAU (43.6%) and National (23.1%) guidelines. For open nephrectomy, with no known risk factor for thrombosis, 94.9% offered Low Molecular Weight Heparin followed by early ambulation (69.2%), Graduated compression stockings (48.7%), Intermittent Pneumatic Compressionstockings (5.1%) and unfractionated Heparin (5.1%). A duration of 28 days (30.8%) was suggested by a majority while the remainder continued prophylaxis until discharge (20.5%), 10-14 days (5.1%), other duration (5.1%), 14-21 days (2.6%), 21-27 days (2.6%) and until ambulation(2.6%). Pharmacological TP was initiated postoperatively (56.4%) rather than preoperatively (37.2%)

Conclusion: TP is used widely across the nordic countries in a majority of renal procedures. Timing, duration and type of TP nevertheless varies greatly among sites