Open AccessPostoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Lower Extremity Amputee
Author(s) -
Robert W. Barnes,
Earlene E. Slaymaker
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
annals of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.153
H-Index - 309
eISSN - 1528-1140
pISSN - 0003-4932
DOI - 10.1097/00000658-197604000-00017
Subject(s) - medicine , thrombosis , pulmonary embolism , deep vein , venous thrombosis , amputation , surgery , lower limbs venous ultrasonography , embolus , pulmonary embolus , ultrasound , radiology
The incidence of postoperative venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was assessed in 87 patients undergoing 96 major lower extremity amputations for ischemia. Prospective surveillance for deep leg vein thrombosis was carried out by Doppler ultrasound in 35 patients. There was no instance of major leg vein thrombosis and only one episode of a small non-fatal pulmonary embolus in a patient suffering trauma to the amputation stump after discharge from the hospital. This study suggests that clinically significant venous thromboembolism following current techniques of lower extremity amputation is not as common as previously reported. Doppler ultrasound is the most suitable technique for surveillance of venous thrombosis in these patients.