Most likely the doctor didn't inject enough local anesthetic around the vein to protect the surrounding tissues and keep you comfortable. In the hands of a qualified board-certified surgeon, you should only feel the tiny sticks from the local needle for numbing and nothing else.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is usually a period of healing in which you will experience discomfort, but this usually subsides over time. Healing time for each patient is different. If you are having discomfort, please discuss this with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The burning will probably decrease over the next six months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes possibly, if it concerns a nerve in the same area. Ask your doctor to explain further. Ask how you will be able to prevent any issues with your treated vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are no long term effects, other than maybe experiencing the burning sensation or pain for a while. These are sensory nerves and there should not be any problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The saphenous nerve may be injured after a vein ablation or stripping procedure. This usually results in temporary hypersensitivity, pain, or numbness.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is an uncommon complication of the procedure, but is typically temporary when it happens. You may experience numbness or tingling near the course of the ablated vein, typically if it occurs below the knee.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Normally during a venous closure procedure, the person really should not feel anything because the vessel being treated should have been numbed up already. As for there being a nerve wrapped around the vein, there are nerves everywhere. The anesthesia part of the venous closure procedure should have numbed all of these up. As for any long-term problems, people are occasionally left with a mild numbness on the skin due to an injured skin nerve. You should not have any motor issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I have never heard of this. I don't think it was due to a "nerve wrapped around the vein." I think it was inadequate anesthesia.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I do not believe there would be long-term side effects. The numbness usually resolves. If there is neuropathic pain, medical treatment may be necessary.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The nerve you are referring to is the saphenous nerve, which is a sensory nerve and becomes closely adherent to the saphenous vein near the ankle.

Surgeons will usually try to avoid ablating the vein near the ankle to avoid tingling and numbness that can occur, if the nerve is traumatized. If the vein needs to be ablated at that level, and the nerve is traumatized, the symptoms improve with time or become less noticeable. There are minor, if any, long-term problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Probably not, as the burning sensation was due to not enough local anesthesia. Venous closure uses radiofrequency heat.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Any nerve damage during the vein ablation procedure is usually temporary and typically manifests as a small area of numbness in the distribution of nerve. It normally recovers in six weeks to six months. In rare cases it could be a long-term problem. Typically, it is the sural nerve on the back of calf which is at risk during small saphenous vein ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you have no problems within the first 10 days post-procedure, then you should no have further problems. Nerve irritation can lead to numbness in the area supplied by the nerve such as the lower medial or lateral ankle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It's hard to predict what, if any, future problems you might have from this experience. If you're not having problems now, it certainly is favorable for you. Generally, there is a nerve rather close to many of the veins we close. When using any venous closure technique, a generous amount of a very dilute local anesthetic is injected around the vein to prevent collateral damage to any surrounding tissue. In my experience, nerve injuries usually present within a day or two after the procedure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This kind of problem is usually seen when a segment of the vein at or below the mid-calf region is treated with radiofrequency ablation. Usually this segment is not treated to prevent this problem. When it happens, the burning sensation from damage to the nerve can last up to several months, to be followed by resolution or total nerve damage, leading to permanent numbness in the lower inner side of the calf. It is better you consult a neurologist if the problem persists and is disabling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012