Causes of Blood Clots After Surgery

Clots happen when bloodthickens and sticks together. That can be a good thing when it prevents you from bleeding, but not so much when a clot forms inside your blood vessels. Sometimes, one can travel to your lungs. This is called a pulmonary embolism (PE), and it can be life-threatening if it blocks blood flow.

While a clot can form after any type of procedure, you’re more likely to get one if you’ve had major surgery, particularly on your abdomen, pelvis, hips, or legs.

Why It Happens

DVT is common after an operation because you’re usually staying in bed for long periods of time while you recover. When you stop moving, bloodflows more slowly in your deep veins, which can lead to a clot.

You’re most likely to get a clot between 2 and 10 days after your surgery, but your odds are higher for about 3 months.

Symptoms to Watch For

Only about half of people who get DVT have symptoms.

Let your doctor know right away if you have any signs of DVT or PE:

• Pain or tenderness in your leg
• Swelling or warmth in your leg
• Red or discolored skin on your leg
• Veins that stick out
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing up blood
• Sudden chest pain
• Painful breathing

Prevention

Before your surgery, stop smoking. Work on getting rid of any extra pounds you’re carrying. Talk to your doctor if you need help.

After your surgery, you’ll want you to keep your blood moving. Your doctor may prescribe blood thinner medicines, which are also called anticoagulants. They make it harder for your blood to stick together and form clots.

Simple movements, such as leg lifts while you’re in bed, can improve blood flow. You might need to take pain medicine so you can exercise comfortably.

Elastic compression stockings or a compression device can help stop blood from pooling in your veins.