Post-operative thrombosis prophylaxis is a set of measures and medications used after an operation (=post-operative) to avoid the risk of thrombosis (blood clotting). In the case of a blood clot, it is particularly feared that the blood clot is transported further with the help of the blood (embolus) and reaches the lung, blocks a vessel there and then leads to the dreaded pulmonary embolism, which unfortunately is fatal in many cases. Postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis is therefore particularly important and should be followed even if prescribed. Such thrombosis prophylaxis is particularly necessary after major surgery and in patients with risk factors, i.e. factors that promote the development of thrombosis.
Patients with risk factors/use of postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis
Not every patient needs postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis after surgery. Especially after small operations, for example laparoscopically, a postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis is unnecessary. The same applies to small children or patients who can be mobilized again very quickly, i.e. who can move again very quickly after the operation and are no longer lying in bed.
However, there are many risk factors that make the use of postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis absolutely necessary. These include patients with a family history of thrombosis, heart attacks (myocardial infarction) or strokes (apoplexy). They also include young women who take oral contraceptives (“the pill”) and/or smoke and/or are over 35 years old (see: Risk of thrombosis from the pill).
In general, women are more at risk of thrombosis than men. Another risk factor is obesity. A lack of fluid can also make the blood more viscous, which can lead to the formation of a blood clot, i.e. a thrombus.
It is therefore particularly important to drink a lot after major operations. Cancer and especially pregnancy are also considered risk factors for the development of a postoperative thrombosis. Especially after a major operation with a long period of hospitalization it is therefore important to take postoperative thrombosis prophylaxis.
