Preventing Blood Clots Post-Hysterectomy: A Comprehensive Guide

Blood clots are a very real, potentially life-threatening complication of most surgical procedures. Also called thrombosis, blood clots form when certain conditions are present in the body. For example, they may occur if the body's blood is coagulating (clotting) more than usual due to blood disorders. They may also develop in patients that have reduced mobility, such as those limited to bed rest or recovering from surgery. Preventative measures are necessary to improve patient outcomes.

Things You'll Need

• Anticoagulant medication
• Compression devices
• Compression stockings

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Instructions

• 1

  Draw baseline labs to assess clotting factors prior to surgery.

• 2

  Take a dose of a anticoagulant medication (Heparin, Lovenox or Coumadin) depending on lab results, no more than 24 hours post-surgery.

• 3

  Ambulate (that is, up and walking, with assistance) as soon as possible after surgery.

• 4

  Use compression stockings or pneumatic compression devices, called boots post-surgery. These boots deliver periodic pulses to the feet and/or legs to deter blood clot formation.