Deep Vein Thrombosis Diagnosed by Ultrasonography During Puerperium Following Cesarean Section

Kim, K H; Kim, I H; Cho, J H; Chang, S W; Kwon, T H; Lee, G P

Abstract

Venous thrombosis is a complication which accounts for about 40% of causes of postoperative deaths. it developes from deep vein thrombosis of the lower leg, and shows general signs and symptoms in 50% of the cases. the most severe complication of deep vein thrombosis from the lower leg is embolization of the thrombus, which brings about pulmonary embolism. Pregnancy and certain gynecological operations are considered risk situations for the development of thromboembolic complications. The risk of fatal embolism after cesarean section is sixteen times higher than after vaginal delivery. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that these major embolic threats lie in thrombosis of veins above the knee. We present a case of deep vein thrombosis which was diagnosed by ultrasonography on the postoperative 6th day after cesarean section and was managed with heparin therapy.