Pre & Post Surgery DVT Prevention

The risk of developing DVT is increased by nearly eight times in people who are hospitalized;²² patients who have recently undergone surgery such as a hip or knee replacement are especially vulnerable.

There are two main reasons that surgery increases your risk for DVT:

• Your blood vessels may be damaged during surgery
• Blood flow is especially sluggish in people restricted to bed rest

Most hospitalized patients have at least one risk factor for DVT or PE;⁶ therefore, whether you are preparing to enter the hospital or after you are discharged, it is crucial to be prepared. Preventative care through movement, such a stretching, is one way that patients in the hospital can help reduce their risk for developing DVT; without proper prophylaxis, between 10 and 26 percent of general medical patients are at risk for DVT.²³

When you and your doctor discuss your upcoming surgery, make sure to talk about the importance of continued care beyond hospitalization and the appropriate length of therapy. If you are already recuperating, talk to your doctor about your current risk level. Together you can create an actionable plan that can help you manage or even reduce your risk.

Helpful Guides

Preparing for Hospitalization

If you're scheduled for surgery, even for a joyous event like childbirth, a extended hospital stay may mean a risk of DVT. This worksheet will give you some helpful tips to prepare you for hospitalization and help manage the risks for DVT.

Before & After Surgery

Once you and your doctor have assessed your risk factors and determined that surgery is the right choice for you, there are several steps you should take to help prepare yourself and loved ones about that to expect.

Click here to download a timeline and checklist that can help you make sure you are prepared Before and After Surgery.