Are the side effects I'm experiencing after VNUS closure normal?
I had the VNUS closure 9 days ago, and until now the part around and below the area where I had the incision is still numb. Every once in a while I experience some sharp, tolerable pain near my ankle. Are these side effects normal?
Answers from doctors (9)
It is not uncommon to experience numbness around the incision or over the treated vein after VNUS closure or EVLT procedures. I find this is noted in my female patients when they shave their legs. As the inflammation around the treated vein resolves, usually the area of numbness gets smaller and then resolves. This can take a few weeks to a few months. I would mention the numbness and the pain in your ankle to your physician at your post-op visit.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, the incision site can stay numb for up to six months.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
May have been some irritation to the nerve in the leg. If so, this should resolve within a few weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Temporary numbness near the VNUS entry point and occasional pains along the treated vein axis are both normal for a few months. However, there should not be significant ankle swelling after VNUS.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
These post-procedural symptoms can absolutely be expected. Certainly, follow up with the doc who performed the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Paresthesias (numbness, tingling, etc) is usually transient and resolves within six weeks. The other symptoms are also expected, and should resolve within weeks also.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
These side effects are often seen after radiofrequency closure. They usually resolve in 1-2 months. Activity and massage hasten the healing. If it is not improving in another 1-2 weeks, ask your doctor to evaluate these symptoms.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What you are experiencing are normal side effects following an ablation procedure. It sounds as if you have some nerve irritation. Discomfort following an ablation tends to worsen the week after the procedure, because by then all of the tumescent anesthesia is out of your system. You need to give it more time to heal, and it usually takes about 6 weeks. If the numbness persists, then you should follow up with your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, your side effects are common. They will all resolve. Pain near the
ankle is common, as the greater saphenous vein is sandwiched tightly between your skin and the underlying bone. Both of these structures are sensitive to the adjacent dead vein. Keep walking, apply heat if it helps, and take an over-the-counter NSAID
like ibuprofen or aspirin. You will do fine.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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