Critical evaluation of low-dose heparin in laryngectomy.

In a clinical trial thromboembolic prophylaxis with subcutaneous low-dose heparin was given to 20 patients admitted for surgery on the larynx. All patients (40 totally) had a malignancy. The study was not primarily directed on the antithrombotic effect, but on complication factors. In the control group pulmonary embolism was found four times, but not in the group of patients receiving heparin. No increase of blood loss in the heparin group appeared, although this group included very difficult operations. No complications were seen to arise from the injections of the heparin.