Venous Thromboembolism in Lower Extremity Amputees: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Patients undergoing lower extremity amputation (LEA) are at risk of developing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), but no generally accepted prevention guidelines exist. This systematic review aimed at understanding the incidence of VTE with or without thromboprophylaxis in adult patients with major lower extremity amputation (LEA). Primary outcomes were onset of DVT, PE, or mortality. Secondary outcomes were any major …