Taking Appropriate Steps in a Timely Way to Reduce the Risk of Blood Clots After Certain Types of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai
One complication that may develop after a patient has had certain types of surgery is blood clots. Blood clots may form in the lower legs or the lungs.
If the appropriate steps to prevent blood clots are taken in the 24 hours before and after surgery, the risk of blood clots can be reduced.
Different treatments are used after different types of surgery based on the recommendations of experts around the country. These treatments may include blood-thinning drugs, special stockings or mechanical devices that exercise the legs.
It should be noted that not all types of surgery require treatment to prevent blood clots. At Cedars-Sinai, during the reporting period, there were 1,042 patients undergoing procedures for which blood clot prevention was appropriate.
The table below compares Cedars-Sinai to other hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission around the nation. The data in the chart reflects care given to patients between July 1 and Sept. 30, 2007.
| Blood Clot Prevention Following Surgery | Cedars-Sinai (Jul - Sept 2007) | All Hospitals Nationwide (Jan 2006 - Sept 2007) |
|
| Top 10% Scored At Least: | Average: | ||
| Treatment to prevent blood clots following certain types of surgery Percent of patients who are treated to prevent blood clots 24 hours before and 24 hours after certain types of surgery | 93% of 1,042 eligible patients | 97% | 86% |
| Most appropriate treatment given to prevent blood clots Percent of patients who were given the most appropriate treatment to prevent blood clots, based on the recommendations of experts around the country | 91% of 1,042 eligible patients | 95% | 82% |
