[Prevention of thrombosis with low molecular weight heparin in gynecology]

An observational study on the use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) Fraxiparin 0.3 was performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar. The aim of the study was to investigate effectiveness and safety of this LMWH in obstetric and gynaecological surgery for patients with mostly intermediate risk for thromboembolism. We observed 484 women, aged between 14 and 84 years, the majority of whom underwent surgery for benign or malignant gynaecological tumours including breast tumours. 40 patients had obstetrical problems. The patients were given a single daily dose of Fraxiparin 0.3 subcutaneously, beginning on the preoperative day until they were discharged from hospital. In addition, the patients wore antiembolic stockings during the whole period of observation. No thromboembolic events were observed clinically. Normal intraoperative blood loss was observed in 86%, normal postoperative seroma drainage in 74% of cases. During the study period wound haematomas were seen in 7 patients. There was in no case a direct causal link to Fraxiparin treatment. These results are in conformity with previous clinical studies and drug monitorings and emphasize the effectiveness and safety of thromboembolism prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin also in obstetrics and gynaecology.