Hi there, I had the GSV on my left leg surgically removed from groin to ankle 10 days ago. Why do I have many new lumpy veins?

7 days after the procedure my leg is noticeably less swollen than before the operation and the skin is loose, however, 10 days post-op, I now have several bunches of large, hard ropey veins in my calf that I'm sure were not previously there. I don't know if this is where the GSV used to be and is part of the recovery or an emerging issue. I currently live in a foreign country, far away from more advanced medical technology and must carefully consider problems.

Thank you kindly for your help

Answers from doctors (2)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 27, 2017

Unfortunate that you are far away. We now do not remove saphenous veins but seal them with laser. That said you sound like you had underlying varicose vein which may have thrombosed (clotted). Under your circumstances I recommend aspirin 325mgs per day with food, some sort of compression hose or bandage from the foot up to top of thigh and warm compresses is often as possible.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Unfortunate that you are far away. We now do not remove saphenous veins but seal them with laser. That said you sound like you had underlying varicose vein which may have thrombosed (clotted). Under your circumstances I recommend aspirin 325mgs per day with food, some sort of compression hose or bandage from the foot up to top of thigh and warm compresses is often as possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 27, 2017

"Lumps and bumps" are common post closure and microphlebectomy procedures. After about 7 days the tumescent anesthesia is resolved and you may feel the hardness from the saphenous vein contracting or from the varicose veins contracting. If sclerotherapy or microphlebectomies were also done, this could also be trapped blood within the veins. Usually these are all normal findings. Wet heat to the area and ibuprofen will help these to resolve over about one month.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

"Lumps and bumps" are common post closure and microphlebectomy procedures. After about 7 days the tumescent anesthesia is resolved and you may feel the hardness from the saphenous vein contracting or from the varicose veins contracting. If sclerotherapy or microphlebectomies were also done, this could also be trapped blood within the veins. Usually these are all normal findings. Wet heat to the area and ibuprofen will help these to resolve over about one month.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Vein Ligation and Stripping

Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I had a vein stripped in April of 2012. Following the procedure, I continued to have major pain. An ultrasound found that another vein has varicosed in the same area (behind my knee). I was told that it has refluxed. How many times can you have the same leg worked on?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -6 answers
I had a vein ligation done on the saphenous vein about 2 months ago. Since then, I've worn compression stockings every day. The problem is that when I take them off or do not wear them for a period of time, my post-op leg burns, tingles, and aches. Is this normal?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
Thirty-seven days ago I had my left popliteal vein removed. I also had a ligation and stripping of some or part of the GSV that did not close adequately. I am still having severe swelling (1.5 inches larger at the ankle) D-dimer elevated greater than 1.0 but neg doppler. Is this normal? What should I do next?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I have recently had Vein Stripping Surgery and was wondering if the dark purplish area where my ulcers were will ever return to normal color?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
I had veins in both of my legs stripped from the groin down to the calf. The left leg is worse than the right. Three weeks after surgery, I've lost nearly 5 kg, have little to no appetite, feel nauseous when standing or walking, and still have pain in the left leg. Is this normal?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
I had varicose veins stripped from my left leg 18 months ago, but a long (5 inch) bruise remains on my inner thigh. It is painful when I press it, and occasionally it causes me pain when I am walking too. Should I be concerned?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I had my vein stripped in March, 6 months later my ankle/foot is swollen and sore. When I wear my running shoes my foot feels fine but when I walk barefoot or with flip flops, my foot and ankle is quite sore. I am healthy and have NEVER had swelling before. Is this normal following vein stripping? What do I do?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -5 answers
I had a vein that ran from the middle of my left thigh and under my knee stripped. Six weeks after the second surgery, at the front of my calf, where the bulgy vein was visible, I can see some small lumps, soft to touch (less bulgy and hard than varicose vein was), but it’s there and looks sort of dark blue under the skin. I have no bruising elsewhere and no pain or discomfort. Might it be another vein or a vein that the doctor forgot to strip? Is it too early to tell?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
It has been 11 days since I had the veins in both legs stripped from my groin to my ankles. The procedure was performed on both legs at the same time. I have some soreness as expected, but the last few days the inside of one thigh seems to "tighten." I stand and stretch a minute and the tightness seems to go away. Is this normal?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I had my varicose veins removed about 10 years ago. I started cycling and discovered a painful lump in the inside of my leg where the vein was removed. What should I do?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -2 answers
I had a varicose vein ligated in 1971 and the surgeon left 4 metal clips behind. There are no medical records available. I have never had an MRI and need to know if an MRI study of the same area is safe.
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I had vein stripping done on both legs 2 weeks ago. My right leg is numb from my knee to my ankle & I'm having severe pain in my ankle that shoots up my leg. The doctor has me on percocet, it's NOT helping. I can barely walk or drive. Is this normal?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
My doctor says it isn't dangerous and that surgery is at discretion. I don't plan to have more kids, but I don't want my sexual health compromised either! I want to avoid general anesthesia and prolonged recoveries. If I need to get this fixed, what are my options?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I have a large purple-blue vein near my left eye that puffs out. I am wondering if there is any way to safely remove it without hurting my eye?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -3 answers
I'm going to Cuba to see my daughter get married. I'm set to have a vein procedure on July 13th. My flight is on August 15th. Are there any precautions I should take? Are there any complications that could prevent me from taking the flight?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -4 answers
I had varicose vein stripping & litigation a month ago. Following the procedure, I developed two hard lumps in my thigh. Now, there is a very hard vein in that same thigh, and it's sore. What is this? Could it be trapped blood or a new varicose vein?
See More
Vein Ligation and Stripping -8 answers
I had GSV vein stripped six months ago and additional phlebectomy done two months ago. But, I can already see some blue veins on the same leg and near where the varicose vein was. They are not bulgy or ropey and my skin is smooth, but I can see them clearly under the skin surface. Are these potential new varicose veins? Can they be treated before they turn into unattractive/bulgy looking ones? How is it possible when I am quite fit, walk a lot and have very little fat on my legs.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR