Is Thrombectomy a Major Surgery?

Clot-related conditions affect millions worldwide, causing disruptions in the natural flow of blood and posing severe health risks. This condition’s prevalence showcases the urgent need for practical solutions.

However, a groundbreaking procedure has emerged in medical advancement: the thrombectomy. But what is a thrombectomy, and is it a major surgery?

Thrombectomy is a surgical procedure designed to eliminate troublesome blood clots. Compared to conventional open surgery, minimally invasive procedures like thrombectomy promise greater patient comfort. This translates to less pain during and after the process, leading to a more comfortable path to recovery.

Thrombectomy’s impressive success rate is a testament to its effectiveness. Patients undergoing this procedure are more likely to be successfully treated, offering newfound hope for those facing clot-related challenges.

Thrombectomy: An Overview

A thrombectomy is a surgical treatment that involves removing a blood clot (also known as a thrombus) from a blood vessel (artery or vein). A blood clot, or thrombus, can shut off blood circulation to your limbs and organs, potentially resulting in death. The most prevalent locations for blood clots are the legs, intestines, brain, lungs, and heart.

What does a Thrombectomy Treat?

A thrombectomy may treat:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Acute upper or lower extremity arterial limb ischemia
Acute mesenteric ischemia
Renal artery occlusion
Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
Pulmonary embolism
Stroke

How Much Does Thrombectomy Surgery Cost in Delhi?

The cost of a thrombectomy in Delhi starts at ₹80,000. The cost in Delhi varies based on a variety of factors. However, the average cost of Thrombectomy in Delhi is ₹115000, with a price range of up to ₹150000.

Is Thrombectomy Considered a Major Surgical Procedure?

A surgical thrombectomy is a form of minimally invasive surgery. It aims to achieve the exact medical objectives as open surgery but with far less physical trauma to the patient. This is accomplished through smaller incisions, often just a few minor cuts, rather than the larger openings associated with traditional surgery.

As mentioned by one of the well-known Neuro Surgeon, Dr. Vikas Gupta, the key advantages of minimally invasive surgery, including thrombectomy, are threefold:

Reduced Pain: The smaller incisions made during a thrombectomy result in less trauma to the body. As a result, patients typically experience less pain during and after the procedure, making the recovery process more comfortable.
Fewer Complications: With smaller incisions and less disruption to the body’s natural functions, there is a reduced likelihood of complications. This can include a lower risk of infection and faster healing.
Shorter Hospital Stay: The minimally invasive nature of thrombectomy often allows patients to leave the hospital sooner than they would after traditional open surgery. This shorter hospital stay benefits the patient in terms of comfort and eases the burden on healthcare facilities.

Is the Thrombectomy Procedure Minimally Invasive?

Dr. Gupta says, “During a thrombectomy, contrasting dye and X-ray technology is used to identify the clot’s location. This allows for precise and minimally invasive clot removal. Before the procedure, patients receive a sedative to ensure comfort during the surgery, and in many cases, they remain awake.”

However, Dr. Gupta adds, “If the clot’s location is challenging to discern with X-ray alone or if multiple clots are present, general anesthesia may be opted.”

This approach ensures that the patient remains unconscious during the procedure, providing the surgeon with a clear field of operation.

What Is the Rate of Success?

Despite the risks associated with surgery in general, one small trial revealed that surgical thrombectomy was safe when compared to alternative “less intrusive” therapies for DVT. These were the findings of a European study of patients who underwent the surgery in the femoral vein, the primary deep vein in the upper thigh. The researchers determined that those who had the treatment when stents were employed had excellent long-term outcomes.

What’s the Recovery Time?

You’ll be moved to the recovery room for a few hours after surgery. If the doctor needs more time to monitor your health, you might stay in the hospital for a day or two. The time you need to recover from surgical thrombectomy will depend on how severe or significant the clot is, your medical history, and your overall health.

As per your doctor’s post-surgery instructions, you’ll likely need to:

Take anticoagulant drugs – aka blood thinners – for a time
Take pain meds as needed
Get on your feet soon after surgery
Wear compression stockings to keep a new clot from forming at the former site or somewhere else
Stop smoking. This will cut the risk of future blood clots
Go to follow-up appointments

Call your doctor right away if:

You have a fever
Your swelling or pain is getting worse
You feel weak or numb at the surgery site
You notice bleeding anywhere

Conclusion

In pursuing medical progress, whether a thrombectomy is a significant surgery is answered in following medical progress. It emerges as a transformative solution for millions grappling with clot-related conditions, offering relief and renewed hope for improved well-being. With a remarkable success rate and a commitment to patient comfort, thrombectomy is a ray of hope for medical innovation. It empowers individuals to choose a less invasive yet equally effective alternative to traditional surgery. In this world of healing, the thrombectomy, while minimally invasive, represents a significant stride towards a healthier future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a thrombectomy always performed with general anesthesia?

No, a thrombectomy can be performed with a sedative to keep the patient awake, but general anesthesia may be used if necessary.

Are there age restrictions for thrombectomy procedures?

Thrombectomies can be performed on individuals of various age groups, but eligibility is determined by a patient’s overall health and the clot’s severity.

What are the common signs that I may need a thrombectomy?

Symptoms such as sudden limb numbness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing can be indicators that a thrombectomy is necessary.

Can I return to my normal activities soon after a thrombectomy?

While recovery time varies, patients can often resume their daily routines within a few weeks after the procedure.

Is a thrombectomy a permanent solution for clot-related conditions?

A thrombectomy can provide long-term relief, but patients may need ongoing medication and lifestyle changes to prevent future clots.