[Anticoagulant-induced prophylaxis of thrombosis (author's transl)]

In postoperative and posttraumatic states, thromboembolic prophylaxis results in tenfold lower occurrence of pulmonary embolism and venous thrombisis--on which the postthrombotic syndrome is based--without a determinable increase of bleeding risk. Heparin is the treatment of choice. The dosage should be calculated on the basis of body weight. A minimal laboratory program of control measurements can diminish side effects.