Phlebitis
Cosmetic Surgery - Plastic Surgery - Aesthetic Medicine - Reconstructive Surgery
Phlebitis (or thrombophlebitis) is the inflammation of a vein usually
involving the formation of a clot that obstructs it. Phlebitis is a
localized thromboembolic disease arising from a combination of three
factors: concentrations of blood with more or less significant
hypercoagulability; a deficiency of blood vessels (varicose veins,
trauma, infectious lesions in the vein wall) and a slowing of blood
flow (stasis) in the affected vein.
In phlebitis the blood flow is stopped by a clot that obstructs the
vein, causing vascular hyper pressure upstream of the clot. Phlebitis
may affect both the superficial and deep veins and occurs very
frequently in the lower limbs.
The risk of venous thrombosis is greatest amongst the bedridden, women
who have just given birth, patients who have undergone pelvic, limb
and varicose vein surgery. Phlebitis may also occur as a result of limb
immobilization in a cast or after a long flight when the individual
concerned has not moved from the seat. Venous trauma (e.g. cardiac
catheterization) may also cause phlebitis. Other underlying causes of
phlebitis exist such as genetic defects, diseases, etc.
Phlebitis is to be feared when the subject presents with lower limb
initially showing a moderate diffuse swelling and a local sensation of
heat. The skin becomes pale and glistening, the track of the vein
increases. The limb continues to swell, becoming sensitive to pressure
on the foot and calf. There is possibly a slight fever and an
accelerating heart rate. The major risk is a widespread obstruction of
the blood flow with a risk of fragmentation of the clot that will
migrate to the vena cava or cavities in the right side of the heart ,
becoming stuck in a branch of the pulmonary artery and causing a lung
embolism.
Deep phlebitis is a medical emergency and an indication of the need to
prescribe anticoagulants (heparin and vitamin K). A bandage will be
applied to the limb after recovery from phlebitis to prevent the
occurrence of varicose veins.
Superficial phlebitis, which causes a hardening and inflammation of
the subcutaneous veins does not carry e that urgency factor that deep
phlebitis does. It is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs.
Simple measures can prevent the occurrence of phlebitis such as
repeated contraction of the muscles under a plaster or prophylactic
anticoagulant treatment before a dangerous situation arises.