The pulmonary embolism risk score system reduces the incidence and mortality of pulmonary embolism after gastric bypass

Background Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a leading cause of death after roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB); therefore, current recommendations for prophylaxis may be inadequate. Methods We reviewed our first 1,341 patients (controls) who underwent RYGB and weighted factors that may have contributed to PE to arrive at a pulmonary embolism risk score (PERS). We postulated that more aggressive prophylaxis in higher risk patients might have reduced the incidence of PE. We tested our hypothesis by basing prophylaxis on the PERS in 1,652 subsequent RYGB patients (study group). Standard risk patients (PERS 4) had postdischarge LDUH and a preoperative vena cava filter. Results The 0.36% incidence of PE (6 patients) in the study group was significantly lower ( P