title: A randomized trial of low-dose heparin and intermittent pneumatic calf compression for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis after gynecologic oncology surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our aim was to determine the relative efficacy and complications of low-dose heparin and intermittent pneumatic calf compression for the prevention of postoperative venous thrombosis in patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic malignancy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized trial comparing 107 patients treated with low-dose heparin to 101 patients treated with intermittent pneumatic calf compression was performed. All patients were evaluated with iodine-125 fibrinogen scanning of the legs. Clinical and laboratory variables associated with bleeding complications were recorded prospectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Venous thrombosis was diagnosed in seven patients receiving low-dose heparin and in four receiving intermittent pneumatic calf compression (p = 0.54). Low-dose heparin patients received more blood transfusions postoperatively (p = 0.02), had increased volume of retroperitoneal drainage (p = 0.02), and the activated partial thromboplastin time was more frequently prolonged (p = 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Low-dose heparin and intermittent pneumatic calf compression provide similar reduction in reducing the incidence of postoperative venous thrombosis. However, low-dose heparin is more frequently associated with postoperative bleeding complications.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
authors: D L
authors: DL
authors: Clarke-Pearson
authors: I S
authors: IS
authors: Synan
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Dodge
authors: J T
authors: JT
authors: Soper
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Berchuck
authors: R E
authors: RE
authors: Coleman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D005676:Gravity Suits; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin