Mustafa Suliman, Umm E Amara, Umme Nashrah, Nissar Shaikh
Extended postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stays, often required when high-dependency beds are unavailable, are generally safe but not free of complications. We report a 39-year-old man who underwent emergency laparotomy for a bleeding duodenal tumor with transfusion and vasopressor support, who remained in the PACU beyond the usual period. On postoperative day one, he developed tachycardia, tachypnea, and an unexplained hemoglobin drop. Computed tomography confirmed a right sub-segmental pulmonary embolism, and Doppler ultrasound revealed a left lower-limb deep venous thrombosis. He was treated with therapeutic enoxaparin and recovered fully. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for venous thromboembolism during extended PACU stays.