ABSTRACT
Prospective studies and randomized controlled trials have led to substantial progress in defining the appropriate management strategies for venous thromboembolism prophylactically, diagnostically, and therapeutically and also in understanding the natural history of the postphlebitic syndrome. Indications for the use of low-dose heparin and external pneumatic compression for prophylaxis among surgical patients with different levels of risk for venous thromboembolism are well defined.
