Reduction in fatal pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis by perioperative administration of subcutaneous heparin. Overview of results of randomized trials in general, orthopedic, and urologic surgery.

TLDR: Most deep-vein thromboses are subclinical and resolve completely when mobility is restored, although some do produce permanent valvular damage and chronic venous insufficiency, and a few, however, may travel to the lungs and, depending on how much of the pulmonary circulation is.

Abstract: DURING prolonged general anesthesia and any period of limited mobility following surgery, thrombus formation may be initiated in the deep veins of the legs. Studies employing Radio-labeled fibrinogen or venography have revealed deep-vein thrombosis in 20 to 30 percent of patients who have undergone general surgery and in an even larger proportion of patients who have had orthopedic surgery.1 2 3 Most such thromboses are subclinical and resolve completely when mobility is restored, although some do produce permanent valvular damage and chronic venous insufficiency. A few, however, may travel to the lungs and, depending on how much of the pulmonary circulation is . . .