Thromboembolic disease in the bariatric patient: Prevention, diagnosis, and management

Abstract

At times, medical and surgical patients may suffer from the consequences of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), collectively known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). VTE is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality each year, and the associated sequelae can, in some cases, produce lifelong physical and economic consequences. This chapter will give the reader a better understanding of risk factors, both inherited and acquired, associated with VTE, and the importance of chemoprophylaxis and/or mechanical prophylaxis designed to decrease the incidence of VTE. The importance of recognizing VTE, and modalities of diagnosing and treating VTE, is reviewed as well.