OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lumbar decompression surgery.

METHODSPatients at high or the highest risk of VTE who underwent lumbar spine surgery in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to April 2011 were included in the present study. All the patients received a half dose of LMWH 6 hours after surgery followed by a full dose LMWH once per day until discharge. We recorded incidences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), bleeding complications, and medication side effects.

RESULTSSeventy-eight consecutive patients were eligible and enrolled in this study. The mean hospital stat was 8.5±4.5 days. No symptomatic DVT, PE, or major bleeding events were observed. One patient developed wound ecchymosis, another developed wound bleeding, four had mild hepatic aminotransferase level elevation, and one developed a suspicious allergic reaction.

CONCLUSIONLMWH may be applied as an effective and safe prophylaxis for VTE in high-risk patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.