Incidence of thromboembolism after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)--a study on TED stocking prophylaxis and literature review.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the incidence of clinically evident pulmonary emboli and deep vein thromboses in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with the routine use of graduated elastic compression stockings (TED) in all patients and the addition of low-dose heparin in selected high-risk patients.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of clinically evident thromboembolic complications within 4 weeks of operation in 883 patients operated in a single hospital during a 4-year period.


RESULTS
Four patients (0.45%) developed pulmonary emboli (PE), of which two (0.23%) were fatal. There was one clinically evident deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a high-risk patient (0.11%). None of the 14 high-risk patients receiving additional low-dose heparin required a blood transfusion.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical thromboembolic complications following TURP are rare. TURP patients have a low risk for DVT, but an intermediate risk for pulmonary emboli. Pulmonary emboli may occur without identifiable risk factors and despite TED stocking prophylaxis.
Donat
R
R
Department of Urology, Queen Margaret Hospital, Whitefield Road, Dunfermline KY12 0SU, United Kingdom. rodo121@hotmail.com
Mancey-Jones
B
B
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001458:Bandages; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000453:epidemiology
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin