Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis After Surgery

In the days and weeks after surgery, you have a higher chance of developing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a condition in which a blood clot or thrombus develops in a deep vein. They are most common in the leg. But a DVT may develop in an arm or another deep vein in the body. A piece of the clot, called an embolus, can separate from the vein and travel to the lungs. A blood clot in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolus (PE). This can cut off the flow of blood to the lungs. It's a medical emergency and may cause death.

Healthcare providers use the term venous thromboembolism (VTE) to describe both DVT and PE. They use the term VTE because the two conditions are very closely related and their prevention and treatment are similar. 

Prevention in the hospital or other facility

Your healthcare provider will usually prescribe one or more of the following to prevent blood clots:

• Blood-thinner (anticoagulant). This medicine prevents blood clots. You take it by mouth, by injection, or through an IV (intravenous). Commonly used anticoagulants include warfarin and heparin. Newer anticoagulants may also be used, including rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, and enoxaparin. Sometimes, your healthcare provider may not give you an anticoagulant medicine. It's important that they discuss the risks and benefits with you and document them. 

• Compression stockings. These elastic stockings fit tightly around your legs. They help keep blood flowing toward your heart by the pressure they apply. They prevent blood from pooling and forming blood clots. When you first put them on, the stockings may be uncomfortable. But after a while, you should get used to them. 

• Exercises. Simple exercises while you are resting in bed or sitting in a chair can help prevent blood clots. Move your feet in a circle or up and down. Do this 10 times an hour to improve circulation.

• Getting out of bed and walking (ambulation). After surgery, a nurse will help you out of bed as soon as you are able. Moving around improves circulation and helps prevent blood clots.

• Sequential compression device (SCD) or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). Plastic sleeves are wrapped around your legs and connected to a pump that inflates and deflates the sleeves. This applies gentle pressure to promote blood flow in the legs and prevent blood clots. Remove the sleeves so that you don't trip or fall when you are walking. For example, when you use the bathroom or shower. If you need help removing the sleeves, ask for help.

Prevention at home

Ankle exercises can help keep blood flowing in the veins.

Deep vein thrombosis can happen even after you go home. Follow all instructions from your healthcare provider. The following are some general guidelines about DVT prevention: 

• Blood-thinner medicine. If a blood thinner was prescribed, make sure you follow all directions about taking it. Be sure you know what foods and medicines may interact. Also, ask your healthcare provider what to do if you forget to take a dose.

• Compression stockings. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to wear and remove the stockings. Follow all instructions closely. Each time you remove your stockings, check your legs and feet for reddened areas or sores. If you see any changes, call your healthcare provider right away.

• Returning to activity.  Follow all instructions about returning to activities. Be as active as you can. This improves blood flow and helps prevent a clot from forming. When in bed or in a chair, continue with the ankle exercises you did in the hospital.

• Sequential compression device (SCD) or intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). In some cases, this device may be recommended at home. If you are using this device at home, make sure you closely follow all instructions from your healthcare provider. You will be instructed on how often and for how long to use the device. Again, remove the sleeves if you are up and walking.

When to call your healthcare provider

You may have signs or symptoms of a blood clot. Or you may have signs or symptoms of bleeding from medicines to prevent clots.

Call your healthcare provider if you have the following:

• Pain, swelling, or redness in the leg, arm, or other area

• Blood in the urine or stool

• Very dark or tar-like stool

• Vomiting with blood

• Bleeding from the nose

• Bleeding from the gums

• A cut that will not stop bleeding

• Bleeding from the vagina

Call 911

Call 911 if you have any of the following:

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Fast heartbeat

• Excessive sweating

• Fainting

• Coughing (may cough up blood)

• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding