[Incidence and clinical characteristics of perioperative pulmonary thromboembolism under the use of intermittent pneumatic compression as a preventive measure].

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a crucial complication characterized by rapid onset and a high mortality rate. There are few reports concerning perioperative incidence of PTE and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) among Japanese population. All surgical patients excluding young patients for minor surgery were equipped with calf- or thigh-length intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device as a DVT preventive method during the period of immobility. Incidence and clinical characteristics of perioperative PTE and DVT under the use of IPC device were analyzed at Kobe University Hospital. One patient developed DVT and four patients developed PTE among the 6500 surgical cases. All patients with DVT or PTE were 66 years or older, and all patients were diagnosed by computer tomography, venography and pulmonary angiography between 7 to 14 days after each operation. One patient was surgically treated by embolectomy and removal of intraarterial thrombus, and others were treated with thrombolysis, anticoagulants and placement of vena cava filters. For prevention of DVT and PTE, other preventive methods such as anticoagulants and prolonged application of IPC should be necessary.