Deep Vein Thrombosis After An Operation
The development of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) after an operation or following a prolonged stay in hospital is a known risk. Guidelines for prevention and monitoring need to be followed.
Why is Deep Vein Thrombosis a problem?
Deep vein thrombosis is the development of a blood clot in a deep vein, frequently in the lower leg, usually caused by long periods of inactivity. This can become a serious problem if the clot travels to the artery which carries blood from the heart to the lungs. In the worst cases, this can lead to a sudden collapse and death.
Why does DVT often develop after an operation?
DVT sometimes develops whilst a patient is in hospital because these are circumstances where they are likely to be immobile for a prolonged period of time.
Movement helps to maintain the circulatory system, supporting the veins of the body to deliver blood back to the heart and on to the lungs. When a person becomes immobile for whatever reason, the body is less likely to be effective in moving blood around the body and blood clots can develop.
A long surgical operation or long recovery period in bed can be significant in the possible development of DVT.
Therefore, it is important that all appropriate measures are taken to try to prevent such a development. It is also important that patients, particularly those identified as being at high risk, are monitored for any signs of DVT during their stay in hospital.
What are the risk factors?
According to the NICE Guidelines, special attention should be paid to patients who have been or are expected to be immobile for a period of 3 days or more, and to surgical patients who are expected to undergo surgery under general anaesthetic for more than one and a half hours.
There are additionally a number of individual factors that might heighten a patient's chances of developing deep vein thrombosis. An assessment of the patient on admittance should alert the medical practitioners to this elevated risk and prompt appropriate preventative measures.
Those who might be considered to be at greater risk of developing DVT during a hospital admittance include the following:
- Patients over 60 years old
- Pregnant women
- Women taking the contraceptive pill or Hormone-replacement Therapy
- Patients who are obese
- Patients with a family history of DVT or blood clots
- Patient undergoing treatment for cancer
- Patients suffering from dehydration
Where a patient is associated with at least one of these risk factors and is also expected to experience a period of immobility, measures to reduce the risk of developing DVT should be implemented as appropriate.
Preventing DVT
Where a patient has been identified as being at a heightened risk of DVT, the following measures may be considered to be useful:
- Prescribing anti-coagulation (anti-clotting) medication if appropriate
- The use of compression stockings if appropriate
- Encouraging the patient to start moving as soon as possible
In addition to introducing preventative measures, the patient requires regular monitoring to identify any signs of developing DVT such as pain, swelling and warmth in the affected area.
Maintaining these measures after an operation until discharge, and where necessary, beyond, might help to protect a patient against developing DVT until their mobility levels are sufficient to reduce the risk.
If the initial assessment is not carried out or if appropriate preventative and monitoring processes are not followed, the patient may be at risk of developing a life-threatening condition.
Even if the patient survives the development of DVT or a pulmonary embolism, their quality of life can be significantly impaired.
Medical Negligence
Deep Vein Thrombosis leading to a pulmonary embolism, even when not fatal, can cause damage to the lungs and lead to post-thrombotic syndrome. As a result, the patient can experience a long-term reduction in mobility and quality of life.
If you believe you have received substandard medical care, contact Glynns Solicitors to receive specialist legal advice from experienced medical negligence solicitors. You may be entitled to make a claim for compensation for the treatment you have received.
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