[The value of heparin-dihydergot in the prevention of thromboembolic complications].

57 papers dealing with the prevention of postoperative thromboembolic complications have been analyzed. They comprise 28 prospective, randomized, comparative studies using objective diagnostic techniques. 2 X 5000 IU daily of heparin-DHE lowers the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in general surgery, thoracic surgery and gynecology significantly better than 2 X 5000 IU heparin alone. In hip surgery 3 X 5000 IU heparin-DHE is more effective than the same amount of heparin alone. In the entire field of orthopedic surgery, heparin-DHE, in a dosage of 2 X 5000 IU, lowers the incidence of fatal pulmonary emboli just as well as dextran 70. With regard to prevention of deep vein thrombosis in general surgery, there is no statistically significant difference between prevention with 2 X 2500 IU heparin-DHE and 2 X 5000 IU heparin. 2 X 2500 IU heparin-DHE significantly lowers the incidence of bleeding complications in general surgery, as evaluated in double-blind studies and compared to 2 X 5000 IU heparin alone.