U.K. EMBC95 paper 8.1.1.3. The Thrombo-embolic Risk in Surgery. Postoperative deep-vein thrombosis can lead to fatal pulmonary embolism on one side, and the development of a disabling postthrombotic syndrome, which can occur after some time. Predisposing factors include age, obesity, immobilization and recumbency. The surgery itself, when taking more than 20 minutes and performed under general anesthesia, is a major risk factor, as proven initiation of thrombosis is often on the operation table.
Patients receiving regional or local anesthesia have a clearly reduced risk of thrombosis.
Seventy-one patients had venographically verified DVT, which in 21 cases was restricted to the calf. The combination of PG and TP will be an essential diagnostic complement when venography is not possible or inconclusive, as well as having a role in diagnostic screening in a large number of patients. On the basis of these results a plan of investigation has been formulated that would avoid duplex scanning and venography in 39 of the 100 patients. Duplex scanning alone would be appropriate in 56 of the remaining 61 patients. Only six patients would be unsuitable for duplex scanning because of a very tense tender leg and require venography.