A Controlled Investigation of the Value of Anticoagulant Therapy in Cases of Prostatectomy

Abstract

Prior to prostatectomy, 182 patients were classified into two groups of 90 and 92 patients. The classification was performed so as to make the groups mutually comparable with respect to factors considered significant in connection with the risk of thromboembolism. The group with 90 patients was anticoagulated with marcoumar. The other group served as a control. There was no significant difference in mortality or thrombosis incidence between the two groups. There was a significantly larger loss of blood in the anticoagulated group. Five of the patients in the anticoagulated group died, while in the control group, 3 patients died. Epsilon-aminocaproic acid was not used on a routine basis.