Venous Thrombectomy in Pregnancy: A Follow-up Study

Objective: To evaluate women who have been treated by venous thrombectomy in pregnancy because of iliofemoral venous thrombosis, reporting the outcome of their pregnancy and frequency of objectively measured venous insufficiency. Design: A retrospective study. The patients were assessed by questionnaire, clinical examination, tests of venous function and ultrasonography. Setting: Department of Vascular Surgery, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen. Patients: Nineteen women treated previously by venous thrombectomy during pregnancy, with a subsequent pregnancy. Results: None of the women had complications during subsequent pregnancies or deliveries, 47% had an occluded iliac segment and 53% had dilated or varicose veins. None had ulcers or skin changes. None of the women showed signs of of re-thrombosis. Conclusion: Women who have been treated for deep venous thrombosis in pregnancy by thrombectomy and arteriovenous fistula followed by anticoagulant therapy may undergo further pregnancies with a very low risk of obstetric complications and a low risk of developing re-thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency. </jats:sec