Prospective Study of the Incidence of Asymptomatic Deep-vein Thrombosis in Postoperative Patients: A Single-center Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative DVT remains one of the formidable challenges for the surgeon. It is associated with a significant risk of associated morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis of DVT is usually established by the combination of symptoms and imaging, which is most commonly performed noninvasively by color Doppler. However, in multiple instances, the patient may remain asymptomatic, and hence, the diagnosis may be missed. Aim and Methodology: This study was performed at tertiary care to study the incidence of asymptomatic DVT in postoperative patients across various specialties. All postoperative patients were subjected to color Doppler on the 1st, 7th, and 30th postoperative days. Results: Out of 300 patients who were part of the study over 1 year, 31 patients developed DVT, of which eight were symptomatic. They all were managed as per any other patient of DVT by anticoagulants, class II stockings, and limb elevation. We had no mortality. Conclusion: DVT may develop in postoperative cases. It may be fatal if not recognized and treated in time. Timely diagnosis and adequate management remain key in avoiding morbidity and mortality. Data related to postoperative patients developing asymptomatic DVT are limited. There seems to be ambiguity in its etiology, prognosis, management protocol, and follow-up.