Showing papers by "David Bergqvist published in 1989"

Low Molecular Weight Heparin Given the Evening Before Surgery Compared with Conventional Low-Dose Heparin in Prevention of Thrombosis

Abstract: A prospective randomized double-blind trial was performed comparing conventional low-dose heparin with a low molecular weight heparin fragment for thromboprophylaxis in elective general abdominal surgical patients. The first dose of the heparin fragment was given the evening before surgery, and further doses were given thereafter every evening. There were 1002 analysable patients, 826 having received correct prophylaxis. Of these 1002 patients, 64 per cent were operated on for malignant disease. A total of 20 patients died, 10 in each group. The frequency of deep vein thrombosis was significantly reduced among patients with correct prophylaxis with the heparin fragment (9.2-5.0 per cent, P = 0.02) [corrected]. The frequency of bleeding was 6.7 per cent among the heparin fragment patients and 2.7 per cent among the patients given conventional heparin (P = 0.01), but all bleeds were of minor degree and there was no difference in the reoperation rate for bleeding, or in the transfusion requirements. Local pain at the injection site was reported significantly less often among patients given the heparin fragment.

Pharyngeal function after carotid endarterectomy.

Abstract: Neurologic deficiencies, with special reference to pharyngeal function, were studied prospectively in 12 patients before and after they underwent carotid endarterectomy. Pharyngeal function was monitored with cineradiography. Five patients developed pharyngeal dysfunction: defective closure of the laryngeal vestibule, epiglottic dysmotility, and pharyngeal constrictor paresis 1 week postoperatively. In 2 patients this dysfunction remained, while in 3 it had resolved 4 weeks after the operation. Pharyngeal dysfunction was more common in patients with preoperative minor stroke and a temporary perioperative carotid shunt and in patients with a long operation time. The registered transient pharyngeal dysfunction may be due to manipulation of the cervical structures including the vagus nerve and the pharynx or due to cerebrovascular damage during the operation. Our findings support careful monitoring of postoperative oral finding in patients at risk.