{"id":7944,"date":"2024-12-19T14:01:33","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T14:01:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/?post_type=kennisbank&#038;p=7944"},"modified":"2025-07-20T12:42:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-20T12:42:29","slug":"deep-vein-thrombosis","status":"publish","type":"kennisbank","link":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/kennisbank\/deep-vein-thrombosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Deep Vein Thrombosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Does Surgery Increase the Risk of DVT?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Surgical procedures involve several factors that contribute to an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reduced blood flow:<\/strong> During and after surgery, blood circulation is often slower, especially in the legs. This is due to prolonged sitting or lying down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Damage to blood vessels:<\/strong> Surgical procedures can damage the inner lining of blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of clot formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Increased clotting tendency:<\/strong> The body responds to surgical trauma by increasing clotting to prevent blood loss, which also raises the risk of DVT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Decreased mobility:<\/strong> After surgery, patients often move less, which slows circulation and increases the risk of clots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Is Most at Risk of DVT After Surgery?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some patients are at higher risk of developing DVT after surgery due to underlying factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> Patients over 60 have a higher risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overweight:<\/strong> Excess weight increases pressure in the veins and may slow blood flow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smoking:<\/strong> Smoking damages blood vessels, which promotes clotting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical history:<\/strong> A previous DVT, pulmonary embolism, or family history of blood clots increases the risk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chronic conditions:<\/strong> Heart disease, cancer, or prolonged immobility increase the chance of DVT.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Major surgeries:<\/strong> Hip or knee replacements, pelvic operations, or long abdominal procedures carry a significantly higher risk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of DVT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizing the symptoms of DVT is crucial to prevent complications such as a pulmonary embolism:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Swelling:<\/strong> Usually in one leg, especially the calf or thigh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pain or tenderness:<\/strong> Often described as cramping or a muscle ache in the affected leg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Skin discoloration:<\/strong> The leg may appear red or bluish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Warmth:<\/strong> The affected area may feel warm compared to the rest of the body.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Note: Some DVT cases are asymptomatic and only discovered when complications occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Preventing DVT During and After Surgery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Doctors take several measures to reduce the risk of DVT, both before and after surgery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Medication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anticoagulants:<\/strong> Drugs such as heparin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are commonly prescribed to prevent clot formation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Low-dose aspirin:<\/strong> In some cases, this may be used as a preventive measure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Mechanical prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Compression stockings:<\/strong> These improve blood flow in the legs and reduce the risk of clots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC):<\/strong> Devices that apply pressure to the legs during and after surgery to stimulate blood flow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Early mobilization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Movement after surgery:<\/strong> Patients are encouraged to move as soon as possible, even simple exercises like wiggling toes or lifting feet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Hydration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Adequate fluid intake:<\/strong> Helps keep the blood thin and supports good circulation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treatment of DVT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A quick diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Diagnosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ultrasound:<\/strong> The most common method to detect clots in the veins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>D-dimer test:<\/strong> A blood test that can indicate the presence of a clot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Treatment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anticoagulants:<\/strong> Medications such as heparin or warfarin to stop clot growth and prevent new clots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thrombectomy:<\/strong> In severe cases, surgical removal of the clot may be necessary.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Complications of DVT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If left untreated, DVT can lead to serious health problems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pulmonary embolism:<\/strong> A life-threatening condition where a clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-thrombotic syndrome:<\/strong> Long-term pain, swelling, and skin changes in the affected leg due to vein damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Deep vein thrombosis is a serious complication that can occur after surgery. Fortunately, the risk can be significantly reduced through preventive measures such as anticoagulant medication, compression therapy, and early mobilization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to recognize DVT symptoms early and seek medical attention to prevent serious consequences. Patients at higher risk should discuss their concerns with the surgeon or specialist to create a personalized prevention plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"kennisbank-categorie":[55],"class_list":["post-7944","kennisbank","type-kennisbank","status-publish","hentry","kennisbank-categorie-techniques-methods"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank\/7944","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/kennisbank"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank\/7944\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7945,"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank\/7944\/revisions\/7945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"kennisbank-categorie","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kliniekhetbolwerk.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kennisbank-categorie?post=7944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}