What is the primary role of anticoagulant therapy in postoperative care?

The primary role of anticoagulant therapy in postoperative care is to reduce the risk of thromboembolic events. After surgery, patients are at an increased risk for complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) due to factors like immobility, vessel trauma during the surgical procedure, and hypercoagulability. Anticoagulants work by interfering with the blood clotting process, thus preventing the formation of clots that can lead to these serious complications.

By using anticoagulants, healthcare providers aim to improve patient outcomes by minimizing the incidence of thromboembolic events, which can be life-threatening. The administration of these medications is especially crucial for high-risk patients, contributing to overall safety during the postoperative period and facilitating earlier mobilization and recovery.