How long are we at risk of a blood clot in the lung after surgery?
French researchers believe the risk for cancer-free, middle-aged patients of getting a postoperative blood clot in their lungs extends beyond six weeks after surgery, blowing the old belief out by up to seven weeks. Previously, the risk for middle-aged patients was reported to be highest during the first five weeks post-op, but the researchers say that for vascular surgery, gynecological surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, hip or knee replacement, fractures, and other orthopedic operations, the danger zone could be elevated for six, and up to 12 weeks.
Journal/conference: JAMA Surgery
Link to research (DOI): 10.1001/jamasurg.2019.3742
Organisation/s: University Lille, France
Funder: None provided.
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