The risk of deep-vein thrombosis after operations on a bloodless lower limb. A venographic study.

In 17% of 40 patients undergoing operation in a bloodless field on the lower limb, thrombosis was diagnosed phlebographically. Phlebography was performed between the second and eighth postoperative day. The incidence of thrombosis in this series was relatively low, considering other reports on postoperative thrombosis and the theoretical dangers of thrombosis involved in the use of a tourniquet. Factors which could explain the relatively low frequency of postoperative thrombosis are discussed.