Kaboli P, Henderson MC, White RH.
DVT prophylaxis and anticoagulation in the surgical patient.
Med Clin North Am 2003 Jan;87(1):77-110, viii

Division of General Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins
Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.

One of the most common postoperative complications is venous thromboembolism, a
term encompassing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This article reviews
the epidemiology, natural history, difficulties in diagnosis, and strategies for
the prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism. We thoroughly review the
currently available methods for thromboprophylaxis including: early ambulation,
elastic compression stockings, pneumatic compression devices, inferior vena cava
filters, and a variety of pharmacologic agents such as unfractionated heparin,
warfarin, aspirin, low molecular weight heparin, and pentasaccharides. Finally,
we review the perioperative management of patients on long-term oral
anticoagulation.