The Proximal Extension of a Deep Vein Thrombosis which was Detected by Preoperative Screening Ultrasonography

Abstract

We performed preoperative screening ultrasonography of lower legs for 447 cases from September, 2006 to April, 2009. Fresh soleal vein thrombosis with non-compression image by ultrasonography probe was observed in 24 cases (5.4%). In the 24 cases, 4 cases of proximal extension, above posterior tibial or peroneal vein, were confirmed. Between the 4 cases with the proximal extension and the 20 cases without the extension, statistically significant difference was not seen in age, gender, body mass index, and the ratio of the benign disease and the malignancy respectively. For the prevention of venous thromboembolism during perioperative period, the operation was held over in a benign disease, intermittent pneumatic compression was not used and anti-coagrant therapy was performed in 3 malignancy cases. Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was inserted in two cases. In an advanced gastric cancer case that was treated with gastrojejunostomy and IVC filter insertion, IVC occlusion was confirmed by a captured thrombus. Fatal complication due to the venous thromboembolism did not occur in any of the 4 cases.