Clarke-Pearson DL, Creasman WT, Coleman RE, Synan IS, Hinshaw WM.
Perioperative external pneumatic calf compression as thromboembolism prophylaxis
in gynecologie oncology: report of a randomized controlled trail.
Gynecol Oncol 1984 Jun;18(2):226-32

Postoperative venous thromboembolic complications are a major problem for the
gynecologic oncologist. External pneumatic calf compression (EPC), when applied
intraoperatively and left on the patient's legs for 5 days postoperatively, has
been previously demonstrated to significantly reduce the incidence of venous
thromboembolic complications in patients undergoing surgery for pelvic
malignancies. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a short
perioperative course of EPC is also effective in preventing venous thromboembolic
complications. One hundred ninety-four patients participated in a randomized
controlled trial of perioperative external pneumatic calf compression.
125I-labeled fibrinogen scanning and impedance plethysmography were used as
prospective surveillance methods in both groups. Venous thromboembolic
complications were diagnosed in 12.4% of control group patients and in 18.6% of
EPC group patients. External pneumatic calf compression when used only in the
perioperative period appears to be of no benefit in reducing the incidence of
postoperative venous thromboembolic complications.