[Thromboembolism. Principles, possibilities, and prospects of success of specific prophylaxis (author's transl)].

The importance of prophylaxis of thrombosis or embolism is undisputed. Simple measures like early rising, the use of stockings and physiotherapeutic mobilization are, of course, indispensable, but they are not an absolute protection. In particular, where there is a great tendency to embolsim, the use of anticoagulants cannot be dispended with, but this is only really logical when it is already begun preoperatively. Only in this way can intraoperative and postoperative phase of hypercoagulability be brought under control.