[Thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients with head and neck carcinomas: a risk-benefit study].
Thromboembolism is a risk in major surgical procedures on the head and neck for cancer in predisposed patients. This study was designed to determine if preoperative administration of low-molecular-weight heparin is safe or if it increases the risk of postoperative complications. Preoperative administration of low-molecular-weight heparin was the most important factor in complications such as pharyngo-cutaneous fistula, wound infection, suture dehiscence, or seroma. The second most important factor was surgical technique, and the third factor was neck dissection. Low-molecular-weight heparin did not reduce the risk of thromboembolism. In fact, one patient died suddenly from thromboembolism after surgery.
Toledano Muñoz
A
A
Unidad ORL, Fundación Hospital Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, 28922, España.
Moñux Martínez
A
A
Bernáldez Millán
R
R
Galindo Campillo
A N
AN
Gavilán Bouzas
J
J
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D015331:Cohort Studies; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D000925:Anticoagulants