[Perioperative prevention of thromboembolism in gynecology]

Operative or postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs in about 10-30% of the patients undergoing gynecologic surgery, depending on the kind of operation and the presence of predisposing risk factors. Fatal pulmonary embolism is the direct and most severe complication of DVT in 8% of all patients in the postoperative period. DVT commonly results in circulatory insufficiency and ulcers of the lower extremities. The goal of effective prevention of DVT is achieved only by the use of drugs like coumarin, dextran, low dose heparin or low dose heparin-DHE. The therapeutic value of these medicaments and their side effects will be presented and new developments shortly discussed.