Prolonged thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin after major abdominal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the effect of prolonged thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.


RESULTS
Literature searches in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Database between 1990 and 2006 were conducted to identify trials concerning prolonged thromboprophylaxis in major abdominal surgery. Three randomized controlled trials met the search criteria. They showed that low molecular weight heparin is effective and safe to use as prolonged thromboprophylaxis after major abdominal surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Three published randomized studies all show a 50-60% relative risk reduction of late occurring deep venous thrombosis after major abdominal surgery. Evidence for the use of prolonged thromboprophylaxis after major abdominal surgery is emerging, and seems justified in selected high-risk patients, including patients operated on for cancer.
Rasmussen
Morten S
MS
Department of Surgery, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. msr@dadlnet.dk
D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery*; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D006495:Heparin, Low-Molecular-Weight