The use of intermittent pneumatic compression to prevent venous thromboembolism in neurosurgical patients—A systematic review and meta-analysis

•Intermittent pneumatic compression was associated with reduced venous thromboembolism (DVT and PE).•Risk reduction was greater in patients undergoing neurosurgical intervention and those receiving LMWH + compression stocking.•The evidence is less certain in patients with traumatic cranial or spinal injuries.•The available evidence remained inadequate and RCTs are needed before drawing a definite conclusion. The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains high despite the use of low-molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and compression stocking (CS). We aimed to evaluate the use of IPC as VTE prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients. We conducted meta-analysis to assess the use of IPC as VTE prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients from several databases. There was a total of 7.515 subjects from 5 studies. Reduction in VTE incidence was demonstrated by the IPC group (OR 0.40 [0.31, 0.52], p