[Prevention of deep venous thrombosis by physical methods. Use of an external electrical stimulator. Initial results in surgery of the hip].

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the importance of the fight against venous stasis in the prevention of post-operative deep venous thrombosis. The study is based on two perfectly matched groups of 75 patients undergoing surgery for the complete replacement of the hip. As well as the usual preventive methods, one group was given external electric stimulus of the muscles of the lower limbs during the operation, in the immediate post-operative period and for the ten days following, achieving maximum venous drainage which was virtually permanent. The results make it apparent that external electric stimulus meant that 16% of deep venous thromboses were avoided in the group on which it was used.