The literature on the epidemiology, morphology, hemodynamic, and physiopathology of thromboembolism associated with oral contraception is reviewed. The correlation between oral contraceptives and increased risk of thromboembolic disease has been confirmed by many studies. Oral contraceptives may influence blood coagulation chemistry, the vessel wall, and the blood flow rate; even after medication is stopped, the risk of thromboembolism may continue to be high. It is recommended that hormonal contraception be discontinued several weeks before major surgery and not resumed for several months. For emergency surgery, especially in high-risk patients, preventive measures are strongly indicated.
[Hormonal contraception--throboembolism and surgical risk] Publishing Authors By Initials