Thromboembolic complications following scoliosis surgery in Scandinavia

Out of 1229 patients operated on according to Harrington there were eight with clinical deep venous thrombosis (DVT) confirmed by phlebography or at autopsy. One patient died from massive pulmonary embolism. All eight DVT were located proximally on the left side. In two cases the first symptom was abdominal pain. At follow-up two patients had slight complaints. One had edema in hot weather and one swelling of the left leg. Another patient had no complaints but venography showed pathological collateral veins. There may be a considerable risk of development of a postthrombotic syndrome.