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The long term sequelae of deep vein thrombosis
The British Journal of Surgery
|October 1, 1978
Summary
Abdominal surgery patients often experience leg pain, swelling, and new varicose veins post-operation. The post-thrombotic syndrome can develop years later, influenced by various venous events.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Thrombosis Research
- Postoperative Complications
Background:
- Abdominal surgery poses risks for venous thromboembolism.
- Leg symptoms and varicose veins are common postoperative sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of leg symptoms, varicose veins, and post-thrombotic syndrome after abdominal surgery.
- To assess the long-term effects of venous thrombosis in surgical patients.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of 564 patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
- Clinical assessment for venous thrombosis at operation.
- Longitudinal monitoring for leg symptoms, varicose veins, and post-thrombotic syndrome.
Main Results:
- 20% of patients developed new varicose veins within 1 year, more frequent with deep vein thrombosis but also seen without.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome affected 26 patients by 3 years, with half having prior history.
- Leg symptoms like pain and swelling persisted up to a year post-operation.
Conclusions:
- Postoperative leg symptoms and varicose veins are common, irrespective of overt thrombosis.
- The post-thrombotic syndrome likely results from cumulative venous events over a lifetime.
- Long-term venous complication assessment requires considering pre-existing conditions and non-thrombotic factors.