Deep vein thrombosis after aneurysm surgery.

In a prospective study of 100 consecutive patients who underwent operations for intracranial aneurysms, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was 14%. The diagnosis was based on contrast venography, which was carried out in any patient who showed clinical symptoms and signs of DVT. In the presence of DVT the patient was placed on bed rest and intravenous plus peroral anticoagulation was begun. No complications thought to be related to anticoagulation were observed. A programme of postoperative prophylaxis is suggested for a selected group of aneurysm patients with a high risk for thromboembolic disease.