[A combination of dihydroergotamine and acetylsalicylic acid--prevention of postoperative thromboembolic complications. Clinical study in orthopedics].

202 patients undergoing surgery involving the lower limbs were given antithrombotic treatment for at least 21 days, or until they had regained full mobility. Following subcutaneous prophylaxis with a combination of heparin and dihydroergotamine, two oral regimens were compared in a controlled and randomized prospective study. The first treatment consisted of a combination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and dihydroergotamine (DHE), and the second of acenocoumarol. The radiofibrinogen uptake test was carried out in high-risk patients (i.e. those undergoing hip surgery) to detect deep-vein thrombosis. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. However, the ASA/DHE combination enjoyed better patient acceptance and was much easier to use.