During the acute phase of the disease the aim of conservative treatment of
DVT is relief of symptoms as well as prevention of thrombus progression and
pulmonary embolism. In the chronic phase treatment should prevent recurren
ce and postthrombotic syndrome. Besides general measures such as compressio
n therapy, elevation of the leg and mobilisation anticoagulation therapy wi
th heparin and coumarin has been proved to be successful. Even though not m
ore effective or safer low-molecular weight heparin has recently replaced u
nfractionated heparin in the initial treatment of DVT mainly because of its
more convenient use allowing modem ambulatory and outdoor treatment. Doses
depend on the kind of heparin used. In the secondary prevention therapy wi
th coumarins, an WR of 2-3 is generally accepted whereas the duration of or
al anticoagulant therapy is under discussion. Compression therapy is recomm
ended for at least 2 years, in case of postthrombotic syndrome life-long th
erapy is necessary. When comparing the effectivness of DVT-treatment today
with the results in the preanticoagulant era, the modern treatment is more
effective, safe and cost-effective; it also guarantees more quality of life
, but the long-term results have to be improved.