Post-operative deep vein thrombosis: a comparison between spinal and general anesthesia

One hundred patients undergoing prostatectomy or surgical correction of fractured neck of femur, received either subarachnoid blockade [SAB] or general anesthesia [GA]. Post operative deep vein thrombosis [DVT], assessed by venography was found to be 6% in SAP group, which was significantly lower than the 18% incidence in group GA. Intra- operative blood loss was significantly lower in SAP group. Spinal anaesthesia offers a considerable advantage over general anesthesia in addition to other appropriate thromboprophylactic measures, in patients undergoing operations associated with a high risk of thrombolytic complications