Postoperative Deep vein thrombosis (blood clotting in the veins of the leg) is a feared complication of surgery. It happens in all hospitals and sometimes after the patient has left the hospital. One of the most common causes of death in the hospitalized patient is pulmonary embolism (PE). Routine autopsies estimate that from 10 to 25 percent of all deaths in hospital involve emboli in the lung, many of which are extensive enough to be considered as having caused the death of the patient.
In addition, some patients suddenly found dead in bed at home are also thought to be victims of massive, unforeseen PE. While many of these individuals may have had a terminal illness leading to embolism, a significant number of deaths occur in patients who had comparatively minor ailments and who might otherwise have lived normal and healthy lives. Yet, many healthcare providers, especially in India,…
