Okay, I know that when having surgery, patients are at a greater risk for blood clots. What I don't know is why? Is it the anethesia? Or the cold of the surgical room? Someone had said it was because you were lying still while in surgery, but don't we lie still to sleep at night?

Then, how long after surgery are patients at risk for clots?

I don't have a smart answer...I'm sure that I could Google up something wise though!

The first thought is that when you are sleeping, you toss and turn. When you are being operated on, nothing moves. I'm just guessing though...

Hi Kimbre -- Here is our article on DVT - Deep Vein Thrombosis which is a bloodclot in the lungs or legs. Patients should be vigilent for several weeks post-op, including post-op reconstructive surgery.

Thanks, Kaye. I did read that before and got some great information, though I'm still not getting the "why" there is increased risk.