Question:
Is it common to have a blood clot in the stomach a day or two after surgery?

Why would this happen, and can it be avoided? How would it be treated?    — Janet F. (posted on January 26, 2000)

January 26, 2000
I do not think it is normal to have a blood clot at all. Dr Harrington and the nursing staff made me walk walk walk after surgery while in the hospital and they gave me alot of those gosh awful heprin shots. Also, I take asprin therapy 1 x a day it is called Ecotrin. What this does is thins the blood. My doctor told me to take it until he tells me to stop. There is meds that the Dr can give you to get rid of blood clot. There is a danger with any blood clot isn't there?! Email [email protected]
   — Jackie F.

January 27, 2000
I am not familiar with a blood clot in the stomach. A complication of surgery can be blood clots which form in the legs and travel to the lungs (Pulmonary Emboli). These can be fatal. After surgery, most surgeons use both blood thinners in the form of injections and compression devices for both legs to prevent blood from sitting in the legs and forming clots (stasis). Early mobility is the best thing you can do to prevent this complication. I tell patients to walk early and walk often! Diane 4-9-99 Dr. Champion 263/183
   — Diane N.