Although physicians aim to prevent the formation of DVT, it is not always possible to detect it because there may be no clinical signs. Calf muscle tenderness, postoperative pyrexia, and limb swelling can be helpful clues. The diagnosis is predominantly made by duplex Doppler sonography or rarely by ascending venography.
If DVT is confirmed, intravenous and oral anticoagulation are started to prevent extension of the thrombus.
In the clinic
Vascular access to the lower limb