WHAT IS NEW IN THE PROPHYLAXIS AND TREATMENT OF VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM

Deep venous thrombosis continues to be a frequent complication of surg ery and trauma. The topic is controversial with regard to diagnosis, i ndication for prophylaxis, and suitable methods for prophylaxis and th erapy. We review some of the highlights of the extensive literature in this field during the last few gears. Particular emphasis is given to new trends in diagnostic methods, newly discovered genetic factors fo r thrombophilia, and the use of heparins for prophylaxis and therapy o f thromboembolic disease.