The influence of heparin and curable resection on the survival of colorectal cancer.

During a five-year period 271 patients were operated on for cure of colorectal cancer. Heparin in low doses was given to 114 patients according to a thromboprophylactic routine. No thromboprophylactic agents were given to 157 patients. In all other respects treatment of the colorectal cancer was the same. Mean age and sex were the same for the two groups. The distribution according to Dukes' classification did not differ statistically. The 3-year survival and deaths due to cancer were registered for both groups. Crude survival rate and survival probability were calculated. No significant differences were found between patients receiving and not receiving heparin.