Objectives:-The goal of this study was to assess the short term efficacy of thrombolytic therapy in patients with leg or pelvic deep venous thrombosis (DVT).Background:-The exact role of thrombolytic therapy in the treatment of acute DVT is not clear in the literature.Methods:-A total of 80 patients averaging 45 years of age with acute DVT were divided into two groups of 40 patients in each group, Primary efficacy criteria included the early recanalization of deep venous system.Results:-Systemic thrombolytic therapy significantly reduced the number of closed vein segments in the first 7 days of DVT development compared with conventional treatment. However, 1 patient from those who received thrombolytic therapy suffered from major bleeding and 3 patients developed pulmonary emboli.Conclusion:-Systemic thrombolytic treatment for acute DVT achieved a significantly better short clinical outcome than conventional heparin therapy but at the expense of a serious increase in major bleeding and pulmonary emboli. Given the inherent risks for such serious complications, systemic thrombolysis, although effective, should be used selectively in limb-threatening thrombotic situations.