[The occurrence of late thromboembolic complications after elective abdominal surgery]

Forty-five consecutive patients who were submitted to elective major abdominal surgical interventions under optimal thromboembolic prophylaxis participated in an investigation as regards the occurrence of late thromboembolic complications. The patients were followed postoperatively with 125I-fibrinogen scanning every second day for a week or until discharge from hospital. If deep venous thrombosis was suspected, intravenous phlebography was carried out. Thirty-five patients completed the investigation. None of the patients developed deep venous thrombosis during thromboembolic prophylactic treatment. In two patients (6%) (95% confidence limits 1-19%), deep venous thrombosis was demonstrated after conclusion of prophylaxis, 13 and 28 days postoperatively, respectively. It is concluded that despite optimal thrombosis prophylaxis, late thromboembolic complications may occur. Prospective investigations are required to elucidate the clinical significance of late thromboembolic complications and to illustrate the value of prolonged thrombosis prophylaxis.