A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 19 studies. Information on colorectal patients was extracted. Any kind of heparin was better than no treatment or placebo (Peto OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.53; 11 studies, n=641) in preventing deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). Unfractionated heparin (LDH) was better prophylaxis against DVT and/or PE compared with no treatment or placebo (Peto OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.62; 8 studies, n=292). Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) also was better than no treatment or placebo in preventing DVT (Peto OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.54; 3 studies, n=349). The combination of graded compression stockings and LDH was better than LDH alone in preventing DVT or PE (Peto OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.37 to 12.70; 2 studies, n=111).
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients and outcome events).
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