ATIII and pulmonary embolism in the post prostatectomy

Abstract

The variation in ATIII activity in the post prostatectomy period is examined by the Authors and is correlated with pulmonary embolism. Type of anaesthesia, blood transfusion and modality of blood transfusion (autotransfusion V/S homologous transfusion) were the parameters considered. In the post surgery period, the ATIII level decreases and afterwards slowly recovers. ATIII variations were similar in both auto transfused and non-transfused patients. The ATIII level decreased more in transfused patients than in those auto or not transfused. Other factors lowering the ATIII level were suprapubic prostatectomy and loco-regional anaesthesia; TURP or general anaesthesia were less influential. In the patients with pulmonary embolism ATIII activity decreased to below 70%. The Authors correlate these data with the risk of embolism.