The effect of blood transfusion on the incidence of deep vein thrombosis.

The incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis in 120 patients undergoing elective total hip replacement was determined venographically. Significantly more blood was administered to those developing thrombosis, particularly in the subgroups given general anaesthesia (P less than 0.05). There were no differences in the postoperative haemoglobin values in any of these groups. The distribution of other risk factors identified, namely previous thrombo-embolism, malignancy and previous vein surgery or injections did not influence this finding. The use of TED stockings (Kendall) was effective. It is suggested that greater emphasis should be placed on techniques that reduce blood loss such as regional anaesthesia and the posterior approach to the hip. Further research into the fluids used for blood volume maintenance will be beneficial.