Perioperative management
DVT
AIDS, DVT
Color Doppler ultrasound examination was performed by experienced lower limb vascular specialists in the ultrasonography Department in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University at 2–3 days before surgery to exclude DVT. Antibiotic treatment with first/second-generation cephalosporin was intravenously administered (one dose preoperatively and for the next 3 days) once before surgery (cefazolin, 0.5 g) and once every 3 days after surgery (cefazolin, 0.5 g/day). The quantity of intravenous fluids applied within 24 h postoperatively was 2500–3000 ml. Hemoglobin levels and D-dimer values were recorded on postoperative Days 1, 3, 7 and 14. Allogeneic blood transfusion was performed if the hemoglobin level was lower than 70 g/L. All patients received standard thromboprophylaxis by administration of low-molecular weight heparin. Active isometric quadriceps, initiative straight leg raising, and extending–flexing motion were encouraged. The patients were allowed to walk 3 days after the surgery with walking aids. Sutures were removed 14 days after surgery. Color Doppler ultrasound examination was performed again on postoperative Day 14 to assess the presence of DVT.