Deep Vein Thrombosis

How is DVT diagnosed

DVT can be diagnosed usually from a good history and examination with a high index of suspicion and this condition should be seen by a vascular specialist. Appropriate investigations should be performed in the hospital setting.

It can be excluded by a simple blood test (D-Dimer). A simple Duplex ultrasound scan confirms the diagnosis. A vascular specialist may also consider performing a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis if he/she believes that the clot has extended above the groin.

DVT treatment

Get treatment immediately in order to prevent potentially serious complications. Some patients with a DVT may need to be treated in the hospital. Others may be able to have outpatient treatment alone.

Treatments for DVT include:

• Medicines
• Compression Stockings
• and Keyhole Surgery.

Be patient with your treatment – you may need to take medicine for at least a few months and potentially wear compression stockings for the medium term.

What can I expect if I have DVT?

A DVT can take several months to a year to resolve, so you’ll need to keep taking blood thinning medicines as instructed and keep wearing compression stockings until your specialist tells you to stop.

You may need blood tests to make sure you’re getting the right dose of blood thinners. Your provider may want to do more ultrasounds later to find out if your blood clot is still in the same place, improving or getting larger.

DVT prevention

DVT can be prevented by simple measures like good hydration on long haul flights.

When patients are having surgery, they are normally given special stockings (TED) to prevent clots forming in the legs. Regular exercise and mobilisation are essential after any major surgery.

When travelling on the plane, you can buy compression stockings to help with vein circulation. Smoking cessation also helps. For female patients undergoing any surgery, the oral contraceptive pill should be stop at least 6 weeks prior.