T Aper1, J Simanowski. 1. Clinic for General Surgery, Klinikum Hannover Oststadt-Heidehaus, Klinikums der Region Hannover, Podbielskistrasse 380, Hannover. thomas.aper@t-online.de
Abstract
PURPOSE: This retrospective study reports on the diagnostic and surgical treatment of 10 patients with ascending thrombophlebitis in the proximal great saphenous vein with free-floating thrombi reaching into the common femoral vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 patients were operated in our clinic for thrombophlebitis with free-floating thrombi in the saphenofemoral junction. Diagnosis of free-floating thrombi was made by B-mode and color-coded duplex ultrasound examination. Surgical thrombectomy was performed immediately. RESULTS: No operative complications were observed, while 5 of 10 patients sustained preoperative pulmonary embolism. After successful thrombectomy and perioperative systemic heparinization, patients who had no PE and no thrombophilic disorders were discharged without any further anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSION: The results of our retrospective study show that patients with an ascending thrombophlebitis should undergo ultrasound examination to detect free-floating thrombi reaching into the deep venous system. In case of free-floating thrombi, immediate surgical thrombectomy, which is safe and provides rapid recovery from symptoms, is indicated.
PURPOSE: This retrospective study reports on the diagnostic and surgical treatment of 10 patients with ascending thrombophlebitis in the proximal great saphenous vein with free-floating thrombi reaching into the common femoral vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 patients were operated in our clinic for thrombophlebitis with free-floating thrombi in the saphenofemoral junction. Diagnosis of free-floating thrombi was made by B-mode and color-coded duplex ultrasound examination. Surgical thrombectomy was performed immediately. RESULTS: No operative complications were observed, while 5 of 10 patients sustained preoperative pulmonary embolism. After successful thrombectomy and perioperative systemic heparinization, patients who had no PE and no thrombophilic disorders were discharged without any further anticoagulant therapy. CONCLUSION: The results of our retrospective study show that patients with an ascending thrombophlebitis should undergo ultrasound examination to detect free-floating thrombi reaching into the deep venous system. In case of free-floating thrombi, immediate surgical thrombectomy, which is safe and provides rapid recovery from symptoms, is indicated.