title: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in gynecologic oncology: a prospective, controlled trial of low-dose heparin.
abstract: One hundred eighty-five patients undergoing operation for gynecologic malignancy participated in a randomized controlled trial of low-dose heparin prophylaxis. Prospective surveillance for deep venous thrombosis was performed with daily fibrinogen 125I counting in the legs and impedance plethysmography. Twelve of 97 (12.4%) patients in the control group and 13 of 88 (14.8%) patients in the low-dose heparin group developed a venous thromboembolic complication. There was no statistical difference in the incidence of proximal deep vein thrombosis, calf vein thrombosis, or pulmonary emboli between the control and low-dose heparin groups. Low-dose heparin does not afford any prophylactic benefit to patients undergoing major pelvic operative procedures for gynecologic malignancy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D011897:Random Allocation; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014680:Veins
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin