Endovenous Ablation
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Endovenous ablation is a procedure that uses radiofrequency or laser energy to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins are large, twisted veins in your legs that bulge out under your skin. Endovenous ablation may help treat pain, discolored skin, or ulcers in your leg that are caused by varicose veins.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You feel lightheaded, short of breath, and have chest pain.
- You cough up blood.
- You have trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- Your leg feels warm, tender and painful.
- Any part of your leg is numb or pale to the touch.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- Your wound is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have nausea or are vomiting.
- Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your procedure area as directed:
Carefully wash the area with soap and water. Dry the area and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. Check for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Self-care:
- Stay active. Do not spend too much time sitting or standing. If you need to stand, shift your weight from leg to leg often. Take short walks throughout the day. Walking will improve blood flow and prevent blood clots in your leg. Ask your healthcare provider how much activity you need to do every day.
- Do not cross your legs when you sit. This decreases blood flow to your feet and can make your symptoms worse.
- Wear compression stockings or bandages as directed. The stockings and bandages are snug and put pressure on your legs. This improves blood flow and helps prevent clots.
- Apply a warm compress as directed. A warm compress can be a small towel or washcloth. Moisten it in warm (not hot) water. Apply the warm compress to your leg. A warm compress may help with discomfort from injury to your vein during the procedure.
- Elevate your leg. Keep your leg above the level of your heart as often as possible. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your leg on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Do not wear tight clothing or shoes. Do not wear high-heeled shoes. Do not wear clothes that are tight around the waist or knees.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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