The incidence of unsuspected asymptomatic thrombophlebitis of pelvic veins associated with hysterectomy

The coincidental finding of unsuspected, asymptomatic thrombophlebitis of pelvic veins, unilateral or bilateral, has not been adequately documented in literature. In 24 cases among 1,000 consecutive hysterectomies performed by a single operator, asymptomatic thrombophlebitis of the pelvic veins was noted as a coincidental finding. Attention was brought to the process by a retrograde study of the occurrence in 12 cases in 500 hysterectomies prior to 1967. In all cases, the clotting process could be classified as 24 to 48 hours or older. In 14 of the 24, patients had complete screening for cloting problems. The indications for the gynecologic surgery included pelvic inflammation, pathologically confirmed endometriosis, and multiple leiomyoma. In three cases proir to surgery, the physician had noted irregular nodules in otherwise normal adnexa. No embolic processes were noted.