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.
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
P
P
Wille-Jørgensen
O
O
Hauch
B
B
Dimo
S W
SW
Christensen
R
R
Jensen
B
B
Hansen
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