A member asked:

How long after surgery is someone at risk for having a pulmonary embolism?

9 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Fernando Torres answered

Specializes in Pulmonology

Depends: There are different types of surgeries that increase the chances of developing DVT and pe. Usually, the inactivity is what tends to predispose you to developing the thrombi. It will depend on how limited you are from the surgery.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Dr. Creighton Wright answered

Specializes in surgery

Depends: What surgery? What prior history coagulopathies outpatient or inpatient immobility? Preventive measures? During surgery and hospital. Generally risk lessens with come and go surgery, mobility, no prior history. Ask your surgeon, orthopedist etc.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Dr. Klaus d Lessnau answered

Specializes in Pulmonary Critical Care

Depends: This is a highly complex issue and depends the kind of surgery. The risk may be high or low depending the surgery. Check with your doc. Medical and family history are also important. High complexity decision making requires a doc.

Answered 5/21/2013

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Dr. Joel Gotvald answered

Specializes in Vascular Surgery

Varies by surgery: All major surgeries have risk of blood clots called DVTs of the pelvis or legs.DVTs can then have a risk of dislodging & traveling to the lungs (i.e. PE). The more major the surgery, the longer the surgery, & the longer the period of immobility after surgery, the higher the chances. Major orthopedic surgery / general surgery / OB-GYN surgery are highest risk. Can happen w/i hours, days, or weeks.

Answered 6/30/2015

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