Surgical intervention on leg veins is often a result of a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency, commonly known as varicose veins. Incompetency of the veins results in backup of blood flow with numerous consequences such as discoloration of the limb, swelling, discomfort and ulceration. When conservative measures fail, a variety of surgical interventions can be pursued, all of which have their own risk of complications.
Infection
Infection is a risk of all types of surgery, and leg vein surgery is no exception. Often it is only a superficial infection of the incision site or superficial vein but can extend into the deeper veins and tissues at times, which is much more serious.
Anesthetic Complications
Anesthesia used during surgery also carries its own risks, such as hypersensitivity reactions, which can result in wheezing, hives or even anaphylaxis. In addition, anesthesia can result in retention of urine after surgery; decreased respiratory function; and a rare reaction known as malignant hyperthermia, which manifests with increased heart rate, muscle rigidity, increased body temperature and damage to muscle tissue.
Bruising
Bruising can occur after leg vein surgery and can be a result of direct surgical trauma. It is usually transient and fades with time, although medication can be given to alleviate discomfort.
Thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis refers to swelling of a vein as a result of a blood clot formation. Many factors predispose to clot formation, with surgery being a major risk factor. It often is easily treated with ibuprofen for symptomatic relief.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is rare; however, blood clots that form in the superficial veins after leg vein surgery can propagate into the deep leg veins. These deep clots can also cause swelling and pain and can dislodge and go downstream in the blood vessels to cause damage in organs, such as the lung.
Skin Burns
Laser surgery is an option for destroying incompetent leg veins, and skin burns are a complication of this surgery. The laser can damage the skin tissue if it is incorrectly aimed, and burns can result, according to an October 2007 article in "Surgical Clinics of North America."
Altered Sensations
Altered sensations can also occur in the area of surgery. These are usually a result of direct surgical trauma or laser damage to nerves in the vicinity of the surgical site.
Neovascularization
Neovascularization refers to the formation of a new vessel, the risk of which ranges from 15 to 30 percent, according to a December 2008 article in the "American Family Physician" journal. This new vessel can also become incompetent, resulting in similar symptoms for which the surgery was done in the first place.
References
- "The American Journal of Medicine"; Current Evaluation and Treatment of Lower Extremity Varicose Veins; Kouri, B.; Volume 122, June 2009.
- "American Family Physician"; Management of Varicose Veins; Jones, RH et al.; Volume 78, December 2008.
- "Surgical Clinics of North America"; Endovenous Laser Treatment of Varicose Veins; Gibson, KD et al.; Volume 87, October 2007.
