Question

A 60-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents with cough, weight loss and haemoptysis. Chest X-ray shows a right upper lobe mass. CT and bronchoscopy confirm non-small cell lung cancer without distant metastases; surgical resection is planned. What is the most appropriate preventive strategy regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE)?

Accepted Answer

Administer low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) during hospitalisation and for a further period post-operatively

Answer

No prophylaxis is required as he will mobilise early post-operatively

Answer

Use mechanical prophylaxis only (graduated compression stockings)

Answer

Start life-long warfarin from the time of diagnosis

Answer

Use aspirin 100 mg daily as VTE prophylaxis

Practice question