DEEP-VEIN THROMBOSIS AFTER THORACOTOMY

In a prospective study of 183 patients undergoing lateral thoracotomy the 125I fibrinogen uptake test and perioperative heparin prophylaxis for deep-vein thrombosis were investigated. There was an incidence of deep vein thrombosis of 51% in untreated control patients. The heparin prophylaxis effectively reduced the incidence of deep venous thrombosis to 28% (P < 0.005) without increasing postoperative blood loss. Unilateral thrombosis was found to be significantly more frequent in the leg opposite the side of the thoracotomy (P < 0.005). The 125I fibrinogen test is essential in assessing methods of prophylaxis but is not recommended as a routine.