A study of pulmonary embolism after abdominal surgery in patients undergoing prophylaxis

Table 1 Characteristics of patients with pulmonary embolism

Clinical data	PE without prophylaxis (n = 41)	PE with prophylaxis (n = 37)
Mean age, yr (range)	64 (26-79)	67 (45-79)
M/F	20/21	19/18
Cause of death (primary)
Obstruction of right pulmonary artery	10	5
Obstruction of left pulmonary artery	3	5
Obstruction of pulmonary trunk	10	1
Obstruction of both right and left pulmonary arteries	11	20
Obstruction of pulmonary trunk plus both right and left pulmonary arteries	7	6
Cause of death (secondary)
Colorectal malignancy	11	10
Other malignancy	14	12
Other diagnosis	16	15
Prophylaxis	None	LMWH s.c: 0.3 mL (BW ≤ 50 kg) or 0.6 mL (BW > 50 kg), 1 h before and 12 h after surgery
Time from surgery to death
0-5 d	12	22
6-10 d	19	8
11-15 d	6	2
16-30 d	4	3
> 30 d	0	2

PE: Pulmonary embolism; LMWH: Low-molecular weight heparin.