Comparison between sequelae of surgical and medical treatment of venous thromboembolism

Thirty-six patients have been studied clinically and phlebographically three years after a major deep vein thrombosis. Twenty were treated surgically and 16 medically. The incidence of post-thrombotic symptoms was similar in the two groups. The use of superficial femoral vein ligation to prevent embolism will not worsen the prognosis of a leg which is already the site of deep vein thrombosis.