[Perioperative prevention of thromboembolism with low molecular weight heparin and postoperative bleeding complications]

Author(s): Hoffman R, Largiader F, Brutsch HP

Affiliation(s): Dep. Chirurgie, Universitatsspital, Zurich.

Publication date & source: 1990, Langenbecks Arch Chir Suppl II Verh Dtsch Ges Chir., :1179-84.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; English Abstract; Randomized Controlled Trial

In three studies the effect and secondary effect of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) were examined. Study 1: LMWH (Embolex-LM, n = 464) versus standard heparin (Liquemin, n = 452); Study 2: LMWH (Sandoparin, n = 298) versus standard heparin (n = 296). In the 3rd study controls of LMWH were performed in the clinic of visceral surgery, and the clinic of traumatology both. During these three studies all excluded patients who did not receive a thromboembolic prophylaxis were also examined. The first two studies showed no significant differences in the frequency of thromboembolic and bleeding complications. The bleeding complication was the same (3-6%) in the group of excluded patients. This is valid for study 3 too. In all studies the surgeon had an important influence on the frequency of bleeding complications.