Complications of low-dose heparin prophylaxis following pelvic lymphadenectomy

All patients who underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy for prostatic carcinoma over a five-year period were reviewed to evaluate the effect of minidose heparin prophylaxis on lymphocele formation and postoperative complications. The overall incidence of complications was found to be consistent with that reported in the current literature. However, when the rate of lymphocele occurrence was correlated with perioperative minidose heparin therapy, the incidence rose from 2.5 per cent in those receiving no heparin to 38 per cent in patients receiving both pre- and postoperative prophylactic heparinization. Other major postoperative complications were also significantly increased when minidose heparin was pre- or postoperatively administered. A strong recommendation is made for caution in the routine use of prophylactic low-dose heparin during pelvic surgery.