A randomized trial of low-dose heparin and intermittent pneumatic calf compression for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis after gynecologic oncology surgery

Low-dose heparin and intermittent pneumatic calf compression may be effective methods for preventing deep-vein thrombosis, or blood clot formation, after surgery for gynecological cancer. Intermittent pneumatic calf compression involves applying external pressure to prevent blood clot formation. Among 208 women who had surgery for different types of gynecological cancer, 107 were treated with low-dose heparin and 101 were treated with intermittent pneumatic calf compression. Seven patients treated with low-dose heparin developed deep-vein thrombosis, compared to four treated with intermittent pneumatic calf compression. Patients in the heparin group required more blood transfusions after surgery than those in the other treatment group. Treatment with heparin increases the risk of post-operative bleeding complications.