Thromboprophylaxis with low dose unfractionated heparin plus compression stockings reduces thromboembolic complications of colorectal surgery
QUESTION: In patients having colorectal surgery, what is the effectiveness of prophylactic methods using heparin and mechanical methods on reducing postoperative thromboembolism (TE)?
Data sources
Studies were identified by searching Medline, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, and the Cochrane Library (1970 to May 2000). Meeting abstracts and reference lists of reviews were handsearched.
Study selection
Studies were selected if they were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled clinical trials; compared prophylactic interventions using heparins or mechanical methods or both with each other or placebo; included patients >18 years of age having major colorectal surgery; diagnosed TE objectively using ascending venography, the 125-I-fibrinogen uptake test, ultrasound or Doppler methods, pulmonary scintigraphy, or autopsy; and reported start and end times of prophylaxis use. Studies were excluded if the only diagnostic measure used was a thermographic method, isotopic method other than the …
