Final answer:
To prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) before and after surgery, anticoagulant medications such as Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, Apixaban, Heparin, or Warfarin may be prescribed. Prophylactic antibiotics may also be given before surgery to reduce the risk of infection, which can indirectly help prevent VTE. The specific preventatives used depend on the patient's individual risk factors and the surgical procedure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) before and after surgery, several preventatives can be used. One common preventative is the administration of anticoagulant medications such as Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Apixaban (Eliquis), Heparin, or Warfarin (Coumadin). These medications help prevent clotting in patients who are at high risk for VTE, such as those who have had a heart attack, unstable angina, ischemic strokes, or other forms of cardiovascular disease. In addition to anticoagulants, prophylactic antibiotics may also be given before surgery to reduce the risk of developing a hospital-acquired infection (HAI) of the wound. These antibiotics are typically administered about 60 minutes before the incision is made. By reducing the risk of infection, the antibiotics may indirectly help prevent VTE, as infection can increase the likelihood of clot formation. It's important to note that the specific preventatives given before and after surgery may vary depending on the patient's individual risk factors and the type of surgery being performed. The decision on which preventatives to use is typically made by the healthcare team based on the patient's medical history and the surgical procedure.