Postoperative deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: diagnosis, management, and prevention

With the application of new surgical approaches and more extensive neurotologic procedures, the length of surgery may be prolonged and patients are often immobilized for extended periods. Statistics indicate that as many as 40% of patients over the age of 40 operated on for more than an hour will develop a deep venous thrombosis; the risk of fatal pulmonary embolus then becomes 37%. It becomes very clear that to assume proper care of their patients, surgeons must not only be cognizant of the diagnosis and management of these complications, but also be aware of those patients at risk, and the effective methods of prevention. The present article discusses the diagnosis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and the steps that may be taken to prevent their occurrence postoperatively.