Blood clotsafter surgery are a concerning complication.
They can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
DVT comes up whenever a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in your thigh or calf.
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These complications are very serious and must be treated quickly to minimize the damage to your body.
What Causes Blood Clots After Surgery?
Many people are also inactive after surgery because theyre in pain, sick, or unable to walk.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
That increases the risk of clot formation after the procedure.
Pooling blood can lead to clots.
Clots tend to form in your deep veins, leading todeep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Your medical and social history may contribute to clot formation.
Orthopedic surgery and spine surgery have a high risk for postoperative venous thromboembolism.
Here are things you could do at the hospital and at home to reduce your risk.
Before you head home, discuss your risk of blood clots with your healthcare provider.
Blood clots after surgery can occur up to 90 days after the procedure.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medication to prevent clots from forming.
Injectable medicationssuch asLovenoxorHeparinare very common during a hospital stay after surgery.
This medication is given to prevent the formation of a blood clot.
Lovenox, but not heparin, is less commonly prescribed for use at home.
Your surgeon may prescribe aspirin or another oral anticoagulant as prophylaxis if at high risk of venous thromboembolism.
This includes taking medications as directed and getting up and walking around.
Your healthcare provider may tell you to wearcompression stockingsto prevent blood clots after surgery.
These snug stockings use pressure to improve blood flow and prevent clots.
Heparin may also be given to prevent additional clots from forming or to prevent clots from getting bigger.
The filter may be in place temporarily or permanently.
Other options for DVT include percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy or catheter directed thrombolysis.
Treatment for a PE can include blood thinners or thrombolytics (medication that dissolves blood clots).
Thrombolytics can cause complications like sudden bleeding so they are used only for serious and life-threatening PE.
Signs of a Blood Clot
Not everyone with a blood clot will notice symptoms.
In fact, about half of people with DVT don’t show any signs at all.
Your doctor will run special tests to diagnose DVT or PE.
Both DVT and PE can be treated.
Understand your risks of developing blood clots after surgery.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare providers appointment to help you ask the right questions.
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.What is venous thromboembolism?
Stop The Clot, Spread The Word.Know your risk factors.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Your guide to preventing and treating blood clots.
Stop The Clot, Spread The Word.Hospitalization.
2019;25(1):48-57. doi:10.12809/hkmj187491
MedlinePlus.Pulmonary embolism.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About venous thromboembolism (blood clots).
