Why did I encounter so much pain during the VNUS closure procedure?

I had a VNUS procedure yesterday. No pain and just mild discomfort afterwards. But, I had excruciating pain during the procedure. Had two Valium and two Vicodin prior to the procedure but was quite alert until about half an hour after it was all over. Anxiety?

Answers from doctors (5)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jun 19, 2017

If the surgeon doesn't inject enough of the local anesthetic (tumescent) around the vein to be treated it will be very painful. He/she should have stopped the procedure and injected more local. My patients rarely need anything prior to my procedures with an occasional low dose of valium more for anxiety than anything else. The local anesthetic should be a "sleeve" around the saphenous vein which ensures patients comfort.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If the surgeon doesn't inject enough of the local anesthetic (tumescent) around the vein to be treated it will be very painful. He/she should have stopped the procedure and injected more local. My patients rarely need anything prior to my procedures with an occasional low dose of valium more for anxiety than anything else. The local anesthetic should be a "sleeve" around the saphenous vein which ensures patients comfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 10, 2014

You received much more medication than I ever give anyone. I use one advil and 1mg orally of ativan, at the most. If you had that much discomfort during the procedure, then I can only assume that the tumescent anesthesia didn't work as well as it should. Also, everyone pain's tolerance is different and you may be very pain sensitive.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You received much more medication than I ever give anyone. I use one advil and 1mg orally of ativan, at the most. If you had that much discomfort during the procedure, then I can only assume that the tumescent anesthesia didn't work as well as it should. Also, everyone pain's tolerance is different and you may be very pain sensitive.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jun 10, 2014

Most patients feel no pain if adequate local anesthetic is placed before applying the VNUS energy. It may be that your body was resistant to the local anesthetic, or possibly not enough was delivered. The pain from VNUS closure is certainly severe without anesthetic, and I am sorry you experienced it.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Most patients feel no pain if adequate local anesthetic is placed before applying the VNUS energy. It may be that your body was resistant to the local anesthetic, or possibly not enough was delivered. The pain from VNUS closure is certainly severe without anesthetic, and I am sorry you experienced it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lone Star Vein Center

Published on Jun 10, 2014

Interesting, most patients describe very mild discomfort during the procedure. 99% of patients describe it as very tolerable. The few who do complain of pain, still do not require any pain medication. Of course, everyone's pain tolerance is very different.

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Answered by Lone Star Vein Center

Interesting, most patients describe very mild discomfort during the procedure. 99% of patients describe it as very tolerable. The few who do complain of pain, still do not require any pain medication. Of course, everyone's pain tolerance is very different.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Jun 09, 2014

Your doctor usually give local anesthesia and tumescent anesthesia which numbs the area. Usually most patients have some discomfort but they should not have excruciating pain. Follow up with your doctor.

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Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

Your doctor usually give local anesthesia and tumescent anesthesia which numbs the area. Usually most patients have some discomfort but they should not have excruciating pain. Follow up with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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