Which surgical procedure increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) postoperatively?

The surgical procedure that significantly increases the risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) postoperatively is hip arthroplasty. This is due to the nature of the surgery itself, which involves major manipulation of the hip joint and surrounding structures. Such invasive procedures can lead to prolonged immobility, which is a significant risk factor for the development of DVT.

During hip arthroplasty, patients may have reduced blood flow in the lower extremities, making it easier for blood clots to form. Additionally, patients often require longer recovery times and may be immobilized for extended periods either in bed or limited to lower mobility, further increasing their risk for thromboembolic events like DVT.

In contrast, the other options, such as cataract extraction, laparoscopic appendectomy, and myringotomy, are typically less invasive and associated with shorter recovery times and less postoperative immobility. As a result, they do not inherently carry the same level of risk for developing DVT compared to hip arthroplasty.