Clinically suspect pulmonary embolism after vein stripping.

Clinically suspect but nonfatal pulmonary embolism followed vein surgery in 16 of 4,080 patients operated on over a 10-year period from 1962 to 1971, an incidence of 0.39%. The presence of superficial thrombophlebitis, previous or recent thromboembolic disease, or chronic deep venous insufficiency was a statistically significant factor in patients who had embolism. Prophylactic postoperative anticoagulant treatment in those with a thrombotic background appears justified.