Fibrinolytic treatment of postoperative deep venous thrombosis.

Eleven patients with deep venous thrombosis were treated with streptokinase. Lysis of thrombi and prevention of pulmonay embolism were achieved in eight patients. Bleeding from the operative wound necessitated transfusions in seven patients. Fibrinolytic treatment of deep venous thrombosis lyses the floating portion of the thrombi. Protection against pulmonary embolism may be expected. The fibrinolytic effect of streptokinase is rapid; its value can be answered only by follow-up examinations.