Caprini Score (VTE Prophylaxis)

How to use it

1. 1

   Perioperative risk assessment. Apply pre-operatively; reassess if patient condition changes.

2. 2

   Age: pick the highest applicable bracket. Age 75+ = 3 pts; 61–74 = 2 pts; 41–60 = 1 pt.

3. 3

   Score ≥5. ACCP recommends extended (28–35 day) pharmacological prophylaxis for high-risk abdominal/pelvic surgery.

When to use it

Pre-operative VTE risk stratification

Standard tool in surgical specialties (colorectal, orthopaedic, vascular).

Extended prophylaxis decision

Caprini ≥5 in major abdominal/pelvic surgery: extended LMWH reduces risk 3-fold.

Contraindication to pharmacological prophylaxis

Score ≥3 + contraindication: mechanical prophylaxis (intermittent pneumatic compression) mandatory.