Thromboembolism in Plastic Surgery

Abstract

Learning Objectives: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Appreciate the pathophysiology of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. 2. Identify patients at risk for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus before and after surgery. 3. Recognize modalities for diagnosis and treatment of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus. 4. Recognize what precautions to take to avoid deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus in plastic surgery patients. Thromboembolism is a dreaded complication of surgery in multiple disciplines, including plastic surgery, and deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus cause significant morbidity, even death. This article provides methods for understanding and preventing deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus in plastic surgery.