Surgery and long distance travel can be a lethal combination. DVT can occur after any surgery but it is more common after abdominoplasty, intra-abdominal surgery and orthopedic surgery. The most dangerous complication is a part of the clot breaking off and causing an embolus, such as pulmonary embolism in the lungs.
It also occurs after long airplane flights, especially in economy class. It has even been call "economy class syndrome". Patients who travel for major abdominal surgery are at an increased risk. This risk can also occur following long car rides with the leg in one position. DVT can occur for several weeks after surgery and a panel of the British Government recently recommended against travel for several weeks.
This does not necessarily mean that you cannot travel but be aware of the issue and take some simple precautions.
• be active. If you are driving stop the car every 1/2 hour and walk around the automobile four or five times. If you are flying get an aisle seat and get up and walk every half hour or so.
• wear elastic anti-embolism stockings. These should be as long as possible and be careful not to let them roll down and act as a tourniquet. Used incorrectly they can be dangerous and cause problems.
• don't sit with anything pressed against the back of your legs for a long time.
• talk with your surgeon about using aspirin or other blood thinners for a few days around the time of travel.
• be aware that the problem can occur. If you get leg or chest pain, difficulty breathing or cough up blood you should see a doctor immediately.
Alternative terms: Deep Vein Thrombosis, DVT, Pulmonary embolism, embolus, embolism, economy class syndrome