How much bleeding is expected after ELA?

I just had Endovenous laser ablation and some of my bandages are blood soaked. Is this normal or is something wrong?

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 13, 2020

That is pretty normal. No need to worry. The puncture sites will leak blood tinged fluid for several days after the procedure.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

That is pretty normal. No need to worry. The puncture sites will leak blood tinged fluid for several days after the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


North Shore Vein Center

Published on Oct 21, 2010

In the unlikely event that you notice blood through the dressing, do not become alarmed. Most of what you are seeing is a large volume of local anesthetic leaking through mixed with a few drops of blood that make it appear that you are bleeding. This is a minor problem that is easily controlled. First, elevate your leg. Keeping the leg elevated, apply some extra pressure over the area. Elevation and compression are the most important things. It is quite common to see some staining through the dressing. So long as it is not enlarging, and is smaller than the palm of your hand, there is no cause for concern. This is quite normal. It is unlikely that you will need to go to the emergency room for this problem. If bleeding continues or bandages become soaked through, call your doctor.

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Answered by North Shore Vein Center

In the unlikely event that you notice blood through the dressing, do not become alarmed. Most of what you are seeing is a large volume of local anesthetic leaking through mixed with a few drops of blood that make it appear that you are bleeding. This is a minor problem that is easily controlled. First, elevate your leg. Keeping the leg elevated, apply some extra pressure over the area. Elevation and compression are the most important things. It is quite common to see some staining through the dressing. So long as it is not enlarging, and is smaller than the palm of your hand, there is no cause for concern. This is quite normal. It is unlikely that you will need to go to the emergency room for this problem. If bleeding continues or bandages become soaked through, call your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 01, 2010

There is very little bleeding following venous ablation. However, if microphlebectomies are done at the same time, it is not unusual for drainage to occur for the first 24 hours after the procedure due to the tumescent fluid used. This is a pink color. If there is excessive bleeding then you should contact the treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There is very little bleeding following venous ablation. However, if microphlebectomies are done at the same time, it is not unusual for drainage to occur for the first 24 hours after the procedure due to the tumescent fluid used. This is a pink color. If there is excessive bleeding then you should contact the treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Aug 27, 2010

This can be expected. Manual compression for 5 to 10 minutes always stops it. Elevating your leg at the same time can be helpful. If the bleeding persists notify your treating physician.

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Answered by Miller Vein

This can be expected. Manual compression for 5 to 10 minutes always stops it. Elevating your leg at the same time can be helpful. If the bleeding persists notify your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Aug 01, 2010

This is unusual if you had just an ablation. It is not unusual if you also had a microphlebectomy. I suggest that you follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

This is unusual if you had just an ablation. It is not unusual if you also had a microphlebectomy. I suggest that you follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

Published on Jul 30, 2010

Please call the doctor who performed it.
James A Heinz

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Answered by Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

Please call the doctor who performed it.
James A Heinz

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 30, 2010

Some blood in the bandages is seen sometimes. It is not a serious or concerning complication for the great majority of patients. Compression for 5-10 min should take care of the problem. If continues bleeding you should notify your doctor immediately.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Some blood in the bandages is seen sometimes. It is not a serious or concerning complication for the great majority of patients. Compression for 5-10 min should take care of the problem. If continues bleeding you should notify your doctor immediately.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 30, 2010

Occasionally there will be some oozing from the puncture site but generally it is not a lot. Check with your provider if there is significant bleeding. Leg elevation and local pressure are the best treatments for this though.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Occasionally there will be some oozing from the puncture site but generally it is not a lot. Check with your provider if there is significant bleeding. Leg elevation and local pressure are the best treatments for this though.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Kimmel Institute

Published on Jul 30, 2010

Almost no bleeding is expected. What you probably see is a small amount of blood diluted in the tumescent anesthetic that the surgeon injected during your procedure. As the fluid leaks out of the needle injections sites, it looks like a lot of blood but it really isn't.

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Answered by The Kimmel Institute

Almost no bleeding is expected. What you probably see is a small amount of blood diluted in the tumescent anesthetic that the surgeon injected during your procedure. As the fluid leaks out of the needle injections sites, it looks like a lot of blood but it really isn't.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jul 30, 2010

Call your doctors office to discuss this with them.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Call your doctors office to discuss this with them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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