Deep venous thrombosis: prevention and management

Abstract

This article summarizes current information on the risk and the assessment of risks for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) resulting from plastic surgery procedures. Risk assessment is the foundation for recommended methods of prevention of DVT and, in turn, possible pulmonary emboli. If prevention fails, treatment of DVT is required to avoid the major complication of pulmonary emboli. The significant risk of DVT and pulmonary emboli after an abdominoplasty is confirmed in this article.

Keywords: Deep vein thrombosis; Patient safety; Postoperative complications; Postoperative risk assessment; Pulmonary emboli; Venous thromboembolism.