Coagulation studies of patients taking low-dose heparin during and after major gynecologic surgery.

In February, 1975, a prospective, randomized study of 75 patients undergoing major gynecologic surgery was undertaken. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups regardless of diagnosis and surgery contemplated. Coagulation studies were performed preoperatively and postoperatively in a control group, a receiving 2,000 U heparin/12 hr subcutaneously, and a third group receiving 5,000 U/12 hr via the same route. There was a statistically significant increase noted in fibrin degradation products in the group treated with 5,000 U heparin/12 hr as compared to the control group. Excessive bleeding intraoperatively or postoperatively was not encountered.