[The risk of hemorrhaging in the prevention of thromboembolism in general surgery: comparison of low-dose heparin and heparin-dihydergot 2500]

Abstract

In a prospective randomized double-blind study, the risk of heparin-induced intra- or postoperative hemorrhage in prophylaxis of thromboembolism was studied. 500 general surgical patients were divided into 2 groups; group A receiving a reduced portion of heparin (2 X 2500 IU) in combination with 0.5 mg dihydroergotamine (DHE) was compared to group B with conventional low dose heparin regimen (2 X 5000 IU) with regard to postoperative wound hematomas and reoperation for hematoma. After prophylaxis with heparin dihydroergotamine 2500 wound hematoma and reoperation for hematoma are shown to be reduced in a significant way (p = 0.03).