Incidence and prevention of deep venous thrombosis occurring late after general surgery: randomised controlled study of prolonged thromboprophylaxis.
OBJECTIVE
To study the incidence of late deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and to evaluate a regimen of prolonged thromboprophylaxis after general surgery.


METHODS
Randomised, controlled, open trial, with blinded evaluation.


METHODS
University hospital, Denmark.


METHODS
176 consecutive patients undergoing major elective abdominal or non-cardiac thoracic operations, of whom 118 were eligible for evaluation.


METHODS
Thromboprophylaxis with a low-molecular-weight heparin, tinzaparin, given for four weeks (n = 58), compared with one week (control group, n = 60).


METHODS
Presence of DVT established by bilateral venography four weeks after the operation.


RESULTS
The incidence of late DVT in the control group was 6/60 (10%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4% to 21%). In the prophylaxis group it was 3/58 (5.2%, 95% CI 1% to 14%) (p = 0.49).


CONCLUSIONS
Prolonged thromboprophylaxis had no significant effect on the incidence of DVT occurring late after general surgery.
Lausen
I
I
Center for Clinical Thrombosis Research, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Jensen
R
R
Jorgensen
L N
LN
Rasmussen
M S
MS
Lyng
K M
KM
Andersen
M
M
Raaschou
H O
HO
Wille-Jørgensen
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000078222:Tinzaparin
D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight; D000078222:Tinzaparin