Cisek LJ, Walsh PC.
Thromboembolic complications following radical retropublic prostatectomy.
Influence of external sequential pneumatic compression devices.
Urology 1993 Oct;42(4):406-8

James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.

The influence of external sequential compression devices (SCD) on the development
of postoperative thromboembolic events was studied in 1,300 consecutive men
undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Of the 784 men whose perioperative
management did not involve the SCD, in 9 (1.1%) thromboembolic complications
developed: 7 (0.9%) pulmonary emboli (PE), and 2 (0.3%) deep venous thrombosis
(DVT). In the 516 patients with SCD prophylaxis there were 12 (2.3%)
thromboembolic complications: 9 (1.7%) PE, and 3 (0.6%) DVT. In patients with SCD
prophylaxis, the delay from the time of surgery to the onset of thromboembolic
symptoms averaged 20 +/- 12 days, and all but 1 patient suffered the complication
while an outpatient; this was significantly longer than in men without SCD (11
+/- 5 days; p < 0.05). This delay in thromboembolic events was the only benefit
we could demonstrate with SCD. Recognizing that most thromboembolic complications
occur after discharge, new strategies for prophylaxis may be needed during this
period, and patients should be well informed about the signs and symptoms of PE
and DVT to avoid a delay in diagnosis and treatment.