With any major surgery there is a risk of blood clots.  Surgery may cause the blood to slow and coagulate in the veins of your legs, creating a blood clot.  At INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center we do not take this risk lightly.  We use a combination of compression stockings, exercise, and blood thinners such as Lovenox.

Lovenox is a subcutaneous medication, which means it is given in the form of an injection into the fatty tissue of the abdomen.  It will be started post-op day one by your nurse, as prescribed by your surgeon, and will be continued after discharge for approximately 1-2 weeks.  Your physician will determine the dose and length of time.