Prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis after acute abdominal operation.
Two hundred and forty-five patients who underwent acute extensive abdominal operations were randomized into three regimens to achieve optimal prophylaxis of postoperative thromboembolic complications. All of the patients were screened by the 125I-fibrinogen uptake test for seven days and if the phlebographic findings were positive. Of 81 patients receiving low dose heparin, 12 had thromboembolism. Of 79 receiving a combination of low dose heparin and graded compression stockings, two had thromboembolism, and of 85 receiving a combination of dextran and graded compression stockings, 13 had this complication. This difference is significant in favor of the second treatment (p = 0.013). It is concluded that the combination of low dose heparin and graded compression stockings is an effective way to prevent thromboembolism after acute abdominal operations.
Wille-Jørgensen
P
P
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Hauch
O
O
Dimo
B
B
Christensen
S W
SW
Jensen
R
R
Hansen
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001458:Bandages / Q000592:standards; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003911:Dextrans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*
D003911:Dextrans; D006493:Heparin