Postoperative Superficial Thrombophlebitis of the Upper Limb: A Rare Complication following Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Superficial Thrombophlebitis (STP) is an uncommon vascular condition that involves inflammation and blood clotting (thrombosis) of a superficial vein. It often presents with redness, swelling and localised pain. Although it can cause significant discomfort, it is usually less severe than Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and can sometimes lead to serious complications such as DVT or Pulmonary Embolism (PE). The three factors responsible for STP are venous stasis, injury to the endothelium, and hypercoagulability, collectively referred to as Virchow’s triad. The condition mainly affects the legs but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the lower and upper limbs. Hereby, authors describe a case of a 51-year-old woman who developed STP in her left arm after a Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH). Despite being uncommon, STP following gynaecological surgery necessitates early diagnosis and treatment to prevent its progression into life-threatening clotting disorders. This case demonstrates successful conservative management of uncomplicated STP and underscores the need for vigilance in postoperative care. Early diagnosis, risk stratification, and individualised treatment plans are essential for optimising patient outcomes and preventing serious complications.