Deep vein thrombosis: an underestimated threat

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clinical term used to describe the formation of a stationary blood clot (thrombus) in a large vein in the leg or the pelvis, causing partial or complete blockage of the circulation. DVT is a significant health and social care problem, costing approximately £640 million per annum to manage. Each year over 25 000 people in England die from this condition contracted in hospital. Early recognition and the subsequent accurate diagnosis of DVT is, therefore, extremely important to prevent potentially fatal acute complication of pulmonary embolism (PE). It is therefore crucial for peri-operative practitioners to have a sound grasp of DVT and PE together with its management to prevent related complications. Furthermore, as part of the clinical team, they need to check that appropriate thrombo-prophylaxis has been prescribed for every patient.