Learn how to reduce your risk of blood clots after surgery

Despite advances in medicine, undergoing surgery, whether cosmetic or not, is still one of the biggest concerns for some patients, especially when it comes to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To reduce this insecurity, one of the methods used is comprehensive preoperative evaluation, as well as professional assistance after surgery, which provides greater safety for the procedures.

“Monitoring during the postoperative period, for example, not only identifies possible signs of thrombosis early, but also plays an important role in preserving serious consequences and complications,” says Dr. Daphne Braga Diamante Lederman, vascular surgeon and deputy director for publications at the Brazilian Society of Medicine. Vascular and vascular surgery: “The core medical team plays an essential role in this process, ensuring patient safety, and contact with a vascular specialist makes a difference in helping.” Vascular surgery.

Preoperative analysis

During the pre-operative analysis, the team takes into account the individual's pre-existing conditions and performs a full examination of comorbidities, covering aspects such as:

• age;
• sex;
• obesity;
• smoking;
• Use of hormones.
• Possible problems with the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs.
• The presence of cancer.

The size and characteristics of the surgery are also checked, as well as the expected recovery. Furthermore, monitoring and investigation by a vascular specialist is recommended to perform a more comprehensive evaluation and identify details that indicate an increased risk of blood clots, in order to guide how to prevent this complication.

Measures to reduce the risk of blood clots

Simple measures and guidelines, such as stopping smoking and maintaining adequate hydration, are essential to enhance blood flow and prevent blood clots. Following a balanced and healthy diet, and avoiding foods high in salt and alcoholic beverages, contributes to the proper functioning of blood circulation and reduces the risk of vascular complications after surgery.

Furthermore, always prioritizing minimally invasive procedures, short hospital stays, and avoiding long rest are measures to reduce the risk of blood clots. Good analgesia and encouraging the individual to walk as quickly as possible is essential to prevent blood clots, and the combination of the correct elastic stocking prescription increases the patient's protection.

Medical evaluation is necessary to avoid complications (Image: Ground Picture | Shutterstock)

Post-operative care

Preventing blood clots after Surgical procedures It can be mechanical with early walking, elastic stockings, and intermittent pneumatic compression shoes, or associated with chemoprophylaxis with anticoagulants, depending on the risk to the patient.

Dr. Daphne also emphasizes that continuous patient evaluation is indispensable, as patients' legs are checked daily (looking for pain and swelling) and the condition of their respiratory system, and complaints such as shortness of breath, low saturation and back pain are evaluated for breathing.

This special attention should extend even after discharge from the hospital, especially because of the possibility of serious complications, such as the formation of blood clots that can develop into a fatal pulmonary embolism.

Signs to watch out for

In addition to the attention devoted to the management of the procedure being performed, during the recovery period, the patient should be guided by a specialist to monitor signs such as:

• pain;
• redness;
• Swelling in the legs.
• Minimal changes in the respiratory system.

The severity of this condition highlights the importance of proactive care, following the recommendations of vascular and hospital thromboprophylaxis protocols, and intensive surveillance, especially for those identified at higher risk.

In some cases, anticoagulant medications, in prophylactic doses, to reduce the risk of blood clots, which can develop into pulmonary embolism, are also necessary during and after hospitalization. A vascular surgeon can help specialists from other specialties design an individual protocol for the prevention of blood clots, thus providing greater safety for patients.

Guidance in cases of acute venous thrombosis

In the case of acute venous thrombosis, monitoring by a vascular surgeon is recommended to determine the cause, provide treatment guidelines, choose the medication used at discharge, and direct tests to evaluate complications, need for an invasive surgical procedure, and overall treatment and follow-up time of the patient.

In more serious cases of acute thrombosis and embolism, in which there is an immediate risk of death or serious sequelae, it may be necessary to dissolve the clot through drug infusion, or vascular surgery, as part of the treatment, to break up and withdraw the clot. Thrombolysis, using catheter techniques.

Written by Elenis Costola

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