I have a lot of pain and bruising after EVLA. Should I be concerned?
I had an endovenous laser ablation done a week ago. The doctor who performed the procedure had problems because the vein was curved. Now, I have a lot of pain and a bruise 3x14 inches across. I'm also experiencing major burning and hip bone pain. Should I be concerned? Thanks so much!
Answers from doctors (6)
Bruising is normal. Major burning and hip pain is not the normal in my experience. Try ibuprofen 600-800 mg, three times a day for 4 days, with food if you do not have any stomach problems.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A long bruise suggests an ablation of a vein that was very superficial. If that is the case, there may be hyperpigmentation that may or may not resolve. Very superficial veins that are treated tend to be more painful. You should follow up with the doctor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Bruising can be apart of the treatment from the laser and from the numbing injections. I recommend my patients use Arnica or Dermaka cream 2 to 3 times a day, with gentle but firm massage to move the deeper bruising and inflammation. You are very early in the healing process. Continue your thigh-length stocking, massage, walking, and drinking plenty of fluids. The burning may be from nerve irritation and will probably resolve. The hip pain may have been caused by the position during the procedure and altered walking gait. My patients take Ibuprofen 3 times per day for 8 days,which avoids this kind or problem. If your symptoms worsen or don't resolve, see your doctor or seek a second opinion by a board-certified vascular trained surgeon who specializes in treating these veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If the bruise is getting larger and you are having more pain and discomfort and pain, you should go back to that office again and they should do a venous Duplex scan to make sure that everything is OK. You should also talk to the doctor for advice regarding pain relief.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you should be concerned.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The symptoms that you describe can all occur post-EVLT closure and usually tend to be worse about one week post-procedure, because by this time the tumescent anesthesia that is used during the procedure wears off. Bruising occurs from bleeding from the lasered vein, and pain is from the constricting vein. Since the laser heats the vein, the skin could also be heated, and this is what you are feeling. Anti-inflammatory meds, such as ibuprofen or advil, will help as well as wet warm compresses to the treated vein.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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