One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?
Vein stripping is usually followed by placing a compression wrap immediately over the area. This is done in the operating room prior to transfer to recovery. Patients typically wear compression stockings for two weeks following surgery. A localized lump as you described needs to be evaluated by your surgeon to rule out a hematoma (collection of blood), slipped ligature (suture cane undone) resulting in local bleeding, seroma (collection of fluid), or other.
A good evaluation is key. Vein stripping typically is done with a growing incision and counter incision at the ankle or below knee level. It is hard to tell which you had done but would advise you to return to your surgeon for an exam and best care.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This may be an area of trapped clot. It can be poked and the blood expressed which would help decrease the pain. It is not harmful and will eventually be reabsorbed by your body. If you are concerned about this area, contact the physician who did your procedure and have it checked.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, it is not normal. It could be a hematoma or a thrombosed varicose vein. Your doctor should check it with ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
That type of swelling does not sound "normal" to me. I would suggest that you contact the physician who did your operation and have your leg checked.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Normal? Probably not. Did you see your MD? I recommend you see your doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
That is not normal. Modest swelling and pain are not uncommon. You need to repeat vein ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Usually not. It may be a clotted varicose vein.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This can occur following vein surgery. It could be due to many factors including hematoma, lymphatic fluid or trauma secondary to surgery above the ankle. Elevate the leg, wear support hose and follow up with your doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to follow up with your surgeon and discuss this. If there already was a varicose vein in the area, it could be related to scar tissue from a miniphlebectomy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is not typical. You likely have a hematoma as the result of some old blood accumulating after the surgery. This will likely resolve, but I suggest you follow up with the doctor that did your surgery to make sure there is not another problem, such as infection.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It could a superficial blood clot. Those are not anything to worry about for your health; they can just be painful. Usually there is redness as well in the swollen area. It is recommended to follow up with your doctor to find out what it is exactly.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A golf ball size swelling in your ankle 1 wk after vein surgery is not really normal. Some people will get a minimal amount of puffiness around the treatment region but rarely do they get a golf ball size swelling unless they got a hematoma from the treatment. Also depending on the type of treatment that you underwent, you could also have something called trapped blood. This is a situation where you get blood pocketing in a treated vein resulting in slight swelling and irritation in the involved area.
Published on Jul 11, 2012