[Use of heparin in combination with dihydroergotamine for the postoperative prevention of thrombosis in general surgery].

The administration of a combination of heparin and dihydroergotamine for the prevention of postoperative thromboembolism is based on the findings concerning the venous thrombogenesis that heparin low doses (2 X 5,000 E/d, subcutaneously) inhibits the coagulation processes and the venous backflow of blood is improved by dihydroergotamine (2 X 0.5 mg/d, subcutaneously). In numerous studies this combination has proved to be the most effective method in general surgical interventions to prevent both postoperative deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolism. Therefore, this prophylaxis is recommended for the use in clinical practice on condition that contraindications are taken into consideration. Further trends are reduction of the heparin dose to 2 X 2,500 E/d and buccal application of dihydroergotamine.