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Intermittent pneumatic compression for prevention of pulmonary thromboembolism after gynecologic surgery.

Suzuki N, Kataoka F, Higashiguchi A, Hirao T, Ezawa S, Nomura H, Tomita A, Susumu N, Aoki D

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St, Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki-City, Kanagawa 216-8511, Japan. nao@marianna-u.ac.jp.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the incidence of pulmonary embolism and risk factors for this condition after obstetric and gynecologic surgery, as well as the efficacy of intermittent pneumatic compression. METHODS: A total of 6,218 patients operated at Keio University Hospital excluding obstetric or infertility-related surgery and uterine cervical conization were evaluated retrospectively to determine the preventive effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on postoperative pulmonary embolism. RESULTS: Pulmonary embolism occurred in 42 patients (0.68%). Multivariate analysis showed that malignancy, blood transfusion, and a body mass index >/=25 kg/m2 or >/=28 kg/m2 were independent risk factors for postoperative pulmonary embolism. A significantly lower incidence of pulmonary embolism occurred in patients receiving pneumatic compression postoperatively versus those without it. Among gynecologic malignancies, endometrial cancer was a significant risk factor for pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: Preventive measures, including intermittent pneumatic compression, should be taken to avoid postoperative pulmonary thromboembolism in the gynecology field.

Published 12 December 2005 in Thromb J, 3: 18.
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