CAN'T CATCH YOUR BREATH AFTER SURGERY? IS IT PULMONARY EMBOLISM?

n this episode of Body By Poly with Dr. Alain Polynice we discuss a serious but uncommon post-surgery complication: pulmonary embolism. Polynice explains that during longer surgeries poor circulation—especially in the lower extremities—can allow blood to pool and form a clot that may dislodge and travel to the lungs, causing an occlusion. Dr. Polynice reviews key warning signs after surgery, including chest pain, shortness of breath, racing heart rate, and calf pain, emphasizing that these symptoms require urgent contact with your doctor or calling 911. He outlines diagnosis and treatment in the hospital with imaging and anticoagulation, and describe preoperative risk assessment using the Caprini score, which considers BMI, age, varicose veins, personal or family clot history, and hormone replacement therapy, to guide prevention and possible postoperative anticoagulation.

00:00 Post Surgery Risks

00:41 Pulmonary Embolism Warning

01:07 What Causes It

01:30 Symptoms To Watch

01:48 Diagnosis And Treatment

01:57 Caprini Risk Score

02:51 Pre Op And Post Op Prevention

03:02 Final Takeaways

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