When should anti coagulant  medicines started after cervical spine surgery?
Patient: if a patient is immoblie after cervical spine surgery for cerviclal spinal stenosis, when should anti coagulant or clot preventive meds be started.    While wating for emergency corrective surgery his condition , deteriorated tovery quickly  being bed ridden Doctor: Hi,Thank you for posting your query.I have noted the patient's condition.I agree that there is a risk of deep vein thrombosis (clotting of blood in leg veins) in this patient, as he is immobilised after surgery and due to weakness in the legs.Anti-coagulation can be started after 48-72 hours of surgery in most cases. However, the decision should be taken in consultation with the surgeon.The best anti-coagulant to use is low molecular weight heparin injection- enoxaparin 40 mg once daily subcutaneous route.I hope my reply has helped you.I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.     Best wishes,Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)Senior Consultant NeurologistApollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,For DIRECT QUERY to me:  http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/