Prevention of postoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with malignant disease.

We have used the (125)I-fibrinogen test to asses the value of an improved method of peroperative intermittent calf compression as a prophylactic measure against postoperative thrombosis. In a group of 99 patients over the age of 40 undergoing operations lasting more than 30 minutes the technique reduced the incidence of postoperative thrombosis by over 75%. In patients suffering from malignant disease, who are generally considered to be in the very high risk category, the reduction achieved was almost 90%.