Screening and treatment of pulmonary embolism after total hip replacement

The effect of anticoagulative treatment of pulmonary embolism was studied in 63 patients out of 348 operated on with total hip replacement. Screening diagnosis of pulmonary embolism was obtained from 99mTc perfusion scintigraphy in combination with 99mTc-microaerosol ventilation scintigraphy and chest radiogram. The administration of heparin and warfarin was associated with hemorrhagic side effects in 7 per cent. The final outcome of surgery, however, was not interfered with. Fatal pulmonary embolism occurred in one patient (0.3 per cent) in whom the diagnosis had been missed.