I have a VNUS closure next week and the paper work says they will put me to sleep. Is that really necessary? Could I request to stay awake during the procedure? Also, when will I be able to use the elliptical machine again?
Absolutely not. When the VNUS procedure is done correctly, it can be performed under local anesthesia in an office setting. Unless a patient should be monitored by an anesthesiologist due to significant co-morbidities (eg cardiac, respiratory conditions), it is best to have the procedure done under the above setting.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
While I don't know any details about your health status, in general, it is not necessary that a patient be sedated for this procedure. In fact, I prefer patients to be awake so they can let me know if they experience discomfort, which may represent potential nerve injury during the procedure. If they let me know, I can help to prevent such injury. You should consult your vein specialist to determine which activities can be performed shortly after the procedure and which will need to be postponed until partial or full healing is complete.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The whole point of thermal ablation procedures is to avoid the additional risks (inc. anesthesia and expense) of surgery. Local anesthesia is the norm for VNUS, whereas general anesthesia is inappropriate if that is the only procedure planned.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We perform the VNUS closure procedure without sedation, utilizing only local numbing with tumescent anesthesia. By doing this, patients can drive after the procedure, walk right away, and resume normal activities immediately. There is no downtime and the procedure is tolerated very well. Of course, there is more than one acceptable method.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, it is not necessary to put you to sleep during the VNUS procedure. In our practice, we offer patients a mild sedative (Valium) to help them relax. You can use the elliptical immediately since it is a low-impact exercise. Still, you should consult with your treating physician and find out what he believes to be an appropriate time to start exercising. He/She may give different orders based on the success of the procedure and your individual case.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In our office we only give an oral sedative. It helps patients relax, but does not "put them to sleep." I recommend you discuss this with your clinician. We always let the patient decide what they want to do. There is no wrong way.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No. I do the VNUS procedure routinely in the office with local anesthesia only. However, some surgeons use sedation. I bet you can ask for mild sedation only. It will relax you without putting you to sleep. Usually, I let my patients return to full activity at 1 week. Ask your MD.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You absolutely do NOT need to be asleep for either VNUS or laser closure. The procedure is done under tumescent anesthesia, which keeps the patient awake. Oral sedation with Ativan helps to relieve any apprehension. You should be able to resume the elliptical as soon as you feel comfortable. If you have concurrent micropohlebectomies, you may have a longer waiting period.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, there is absolutely no reason to be sedated for the VNUS closure procedure. You may use your elliptical the same day.
Published on Jul 11, 2012