Formation of blood clots in the lower extremities is a well-recognized complication of surgical procedures. Blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are commonly feared; however, the occurrence in current practice is relatively low—approximately 3% overall. In patients with certain venous conditions or medical risk factors, the risk may increase, but the overall incidence in our practice is still relatively low, approximately 6%.
A blood clot in the leg can potentially travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary complications. The likelihood of this occurring is much lower than the risk of forming a clot in the leg. If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath after surgery, you should contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department. Although rare, death can occur from this type of complication.
Patients undergoing surgical procedures in our practice are routinely given blood thinners (anticoagulants) before and after surgery. Patients undergoing stent procedures also receive blood thinners during the procedure. Blood thinners help reduce the risk of clot formation. Additional preventive measures are also used after surgery, including leg or foot compression devices and early ambulation (walking early after surgery).
Prolonged bed rest and inactivity increase the risk of blood clot formation, while movement helps reduce this risk. Therefore, it is important to get out of bed and begin walking the morning after surgery, and to maintain your normal daily activities and exercise routine as tolerated.
Although these measures significantly reduce the risk of blood clots, they do not completely eliminate the possibility. Currently, there are no preventive measures that can fully eliminate clot formation or related complications, making this risk an unavoidable part of surgical care.