PREVENTION OF THROMBOSIS AFTER PELVIC SURGERY BY BRITISH DEXTRAN 70

Abstract

Abstract The prophylactic effect of dextran 70 ('Lomodex 70') against postoperative leg-vein thrombosis was investigated by a double-blind controlled clinical trial. Dextran 70 administered during and immediately after operation over a six- hour period, which started at the initiation of anaesthesia, produced a highly significant reduction in the frequency of thrombosis after abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy for benign conditions. Thrombosis was diagnosed by both the 125 I-fibrinogen-screening test and phlebography. Of 75 control patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy 11 developed postoperative thrombosis (15%), and in 63 patients treate with dextran 70 no thrombosis occurred. Of 65 control patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy postoperative thrombosis occurred in 4 (6%); while of 57 patients treated with dextran 70, 1 had thrombosis. Of the 16 patients who had postoperative thrombosis 5 had no known predisposing factors. No evidence of increased bleeding at operation was found. Results indicate that dextran 70 administered during and immediately after hysterectomy for benign conditions is more effective and safe than oral anticoagulants in preventing postoperative deep-vein thrombosis.