What are the indications for using aspirin in a post-operative care setting?

Aspirin is indicated in the post-operative care setting primarily to prevent thromboembolic events after high-risk surgeries. This is particularly important because patients undergoing certain surgical procedures may be at increased risk for forming blood clots, which can lead to serious complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). Aspirin acts as an antiplatelet agent, inhibiting the aggregation of platelets and thereby reducing the likelihood of clot formation. This is especially crucial in procedures where blood flow may be impaired or where patients may be immobilized for extended periods, increasing their risk for clot-related issues.

While managing postoperative pain and reducing the risk of surgical complications are important aspects of post-operative care, these are generally not the primary indications for using aspirin. Pain management is typically addressed with analgesics, and surgical complications can encompass a wide range of issues that do not necessarily involve clotting. Preventing infections after surgery is also crucial, but this is achieved through antibiotics and other measures rather than with aspirin.