Thrombosis is the formation of clots or thrombus in the blood vessels that impede blood flow. Any surgery can increase the risk of developing thrombosis, as it is common to stop for a long time during and after the procedure, which impairs circulation.
So, to avoid thrombosis after surgery, is it recommended to start short walks immediately after medical discharge, with elastic stockings? for about 10 days or even when it is possible to walk normally, move your legs and feet in a lying position and take blood thinners to avoid clots, such as heparin.
- Although it may occur after surgery.
- The risk of thrombosis is higher in the postoperative of complex surgeries or that take more than 30 minutes.
- Such as chest.
- Heart or abdominal surgeries.
- Such as bariatric surgery.
- In most cases.
- Thrombus forms within the first 48 hours to about 7 days after surgery.
- Causing more frequent skin redness.
- Heat and pain in the legs.
- Discover more symptoms to identify thrombosis in deep vein thrombosis more quickly.
To prevent thrombosis after surgery, your doctor may tell you
The patient should walk as soon as he feels little pain and does not risk breaking the scar, as movement stimulates blood circulation and decreases the risk of thrombus. Usually, the patient can walk after 2 days, but it depends on the surgery and the advice of the doctor.
Your doctor may recommend the use of elastic compression stockings even before surgery, which should be worn for a period of approximately 10 to 20 days, until body movements throughout the day return to normal and activities are already possible. removed only for personal hygiene.
The most commonly used sock is the medium compression sock, which exerts a pressure of about 18-21 mmHg, which is able to compress the skin and stimulate venous return, but the doctor can also indicate the elastic sock with high compression, with pressure between 20-30 mmHg, in some cases of higher risk, as people with thick or advanced varicose veins. Like what.
Elastic stockings are also recommended for anyone with venous circulation problems, people bedridden, who undergo limited bed treatments or who have neurological or orthopedic diseases that interfere with movement. Learn more about what they are for and when to use clamping stockings.
This technique facilitates the return of blood to the heart, which prevents blood from building up in the legs and feet, as well as reducing swelling of the legs.
When possible, the patient is advised to move their feet and legs, crouching down and stretching about 3 times a day. These exercises can be guided by the physical therapist while you are still in the hospital.
Remedies that help prevent the formation of clots or thrombus, such as injectable heparin, which may be indicated by the doctor, especially when it is a surgical procedure that requires time or will require a prolonged rest, such as abdominal, thoracic or orthopedic.
The use of anticoagulants may be indicated even when it is possible to walk and move the body normally. These remedies are also generally indicated during a hospital stay or during a treatment in which the person needs to rest or lie down for a long period of time. To better understand the role of these medications in what blood thinners are and what they are used for.
Performing a leg massage every 3 hours, with almond oil or any other massage gel, is also another technique that stimulates venous return and prevents blood buildup and clot formation.
In addition, motor physiotherapy and other procedures that may be indicated by the doctor, such as electrical stimulation of the calf musculature and intermittent external pneumatic compression, which is performed with devices that stimulate blood movements, especially in people unable to perform leg movements, such as comatosus patients.
The risk of thrombosis after surgery is higher when the patient is over 60 years old, mainly in bed, after an accident or stroke, for example.
However, other factors that may increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis after surgery include:
When a thrombus forms after surgery, there is a high risk of developing a pulmonary embolism because clots delay or block the passage of blood and are lodged in the lungs, a situation that is serious and carries a risk of death.
In addition, swelling, varicose veins and brown skin on the legs, which in more severe cases, can also cause gangrene, which is cell death due to lack of blood.