A 60 year old male has been operated for carcinoma of caecum and right hemicolectomy has been done. On the 4th post-operative day, the patient develops fever, swelling and pain in the legs. The most impoant clinical entity one should look for is: March 2011
Ans. D: Deep vein thrombosis Stasis is a predisposing factor for DVT, especially in the post-operative period Increasing age and trauma/ surgery, especially of the pelvis, hip and lower limb is a risk factor for DVT The most common presentation of a DVT is pain and swelling, especially in the calf of one lower limb DVT: DVT of the iliac, femoral, popliteal veins is suggested by unilateral leg swelling, warmth, pain and erythema Homan's sign: Forced dorsiflexion of the ankle causes pain in the calf The non-invasive test used most often to diagnose DVT is duplex venous USG Heaprin is used for DVT prophylaxis Bandaging and thrombolytic therapy is effective
Urinary tract infection
Intravenous line infection
Chest infection
Deep vein thrombosis