[Thromboembolic prophylaxis in patients with head and neck carcinomas: a risk-benefit study]

Thromboembolism is a risk in major surgical procedures on the head and neck for cancer in predisposed patients. This study was designed to determine if preoperative administration of low-molecular-weight heparin is safe or if it increases the risk of postoperative complications. Preoperative administration of low-molecular-weight heparin was the most important factor in complications such as pharyngo-cutaneous fistula, wound infection, suture dehiscence, or seroma. The second most important factor was surgical technique, and the third factor was neck dissection. Low-molecular-weight heparin did not reduce the risk of thromboembolism. In fact, one patient died suddenly from thromboembolism after surgery.