ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS FOR POSTOPERATIVE DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING MAJOR ABDOMINAL SURGERY

Abstract

Background: The development of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) remains a significant cause of morbidity and potential mortality in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Identifying risk factors is essential to guide preventive strategies and reduce the burden of thromboembolic complications.

Objectives: To assess the frequency and associated risk factors of postoperative DVT in patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries.

Study Design & Setting: This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted at Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore over six months.

Methodology: A total of 120 patients aged 18 years and above who underwent major abdominal surgeries were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with known coagulopathies, preoperative DVT, or on chronic anticoagulation therapy were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected. Postoperative DVT was assessed using clinical signs and confirmed by duplex Doppler ultrasonography between postoperative days 3 to 7. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of patients was 52.6 ± 13.4 years, with 56.7% males. The overall frequency of postoperative DVT was 15%. Statistically significant risk factors for DVT included age >60 years (p=0.004), obesity (p=0.027), diabetes mellitus (p=0.023), malignancy (p=0.045), operative duration >180 minutes (p=0.006), blood transfusion (p=0.018), and omission of prophylactic anticoagulation (p=0.001).

Conclusion: Postoperative DVT is a common complication following major abdominal surgery. Early identification of high-risk patients and implementation of appropriate thromboprophylaxis can significantly reduce thromboembolic events.