MECHANICAL VERSUS PHARMACOLOGIC PREVENTION OF DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 152  (4) , 448-450
Abstract
The postoperative prevention of deep venous thrombosis was studied using 3 different regimens in 227 patients undergoing surgical procedures. Patients (76) received 5000 units of heparin s.c. and 0.5 mg dihydroergotamine twice a day. In 76 patients, intermittent pneumatic compression of the legs was applied peroperatively and postoperatively with active physiotherapy. The last 75 patients received s.c. 5000 units of heparin each 8 h. Systematic deep venous thrombosis detection was carried out using both the 125 fibrinogen test and the Doppler method, being confirmed by phlebography if positive. The 125I fibrinogen test proved more sensitive and more specific. The incidence of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were comparable in the groups, mechanical prophylaxis being as effective as the 2 other regimens. No side-effects were noted with the use of intermittent compression boots. A venoconstricting agent associated with heparin may permit smaller doses with the same prophylactic effect.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: