Sydney Specialist Day
Hospital

Sydney Specialist Day
Hospital

Post-Operative Instructions – Venous and Vascular Interventions

Wet Patches

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Treated Veins Changing Colour

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Foot Pain or Pain Behind the Knees and Ankles

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Bruising

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Pain and Tenderness

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Tender Hard Lumps

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Swelling

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Stinging Sensation

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Compression Stockings

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Exercise and Walking

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Pregnancy Oral Contraceptive and Hormone Replacement Therapy (‘HRT’)

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Other Recommendations

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Post-Operative Instructions –
General Anaesthetic (ONLY if applicable)

Pain

​Pain may occur following surgery. If required, take the pain relief medication prescribed by your doctor.

Nausea

​Nausea may occur but should resolve within a short period.

Dizziness

​This is common. If you experience dizziness, please move slowly and carefully. Temporary double vision may also occur for a short period, particularly following procedures around the eyes.​

Inability to Concentrate

Some patients experience this for a day or so after surgery. This is a temporary side effect and should not alarm you.

Sore Throat

You may experience some soreness because of your anaesthetic. This will almost always disappear within 24 hours.

Pain or Bruising on the Hand or Arm

This is most likely caused by the anaesthetic injection. It will subside over time and does not require medical attention.

Bleeding

Some bleeding or ooze may come from your wound or operation site. There is no need for concern unless this persists or appears to increase in volume. If it occurs, try placing finger pressure on the bleeding site for several minutes. If it persists, please contact us.

Eating

Begin with light refreshments. If you are not nauseated, return to your normal diet after a few hours.

Activities

You should not drive a motor vehicle, operate hazardous machinery, make any important decisions, or travel alone. You must not engage in exercise or heavy work until at least the morning after your operation. You must rest for the remainder of the day if you feel unwell. You must also abstain from drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after major surgery.

Contact Us

If you are concerned, please contact the office on (02) 9386 0211 during Practice operating hours Monday to Friday 08:30am to 17:00pm.

For After Hours concerns, please send a text message to Prof Parsi on 0425 828 882.

We will get back to you as soon as possible. If you have other questions or non-urgent concerns, please contact Reception.

Wet Patches

You may notice some wet patches on your stockings immediately after the procedure. This is due to the anaesthetic fluid and may be blood stained. This should not cause any concern.

Treated Veins Changing Colour

Please note that treated veins change colour before they fade and may initially look worse after treatment.

Foot Pain or Pain Behind the Knees and Ankles

This is usually caused by tight stockings. Soreness behind the knee can result from rubbing of the stockings. If the pain is severe, take the stockings off for a few minutes, relax and move your foot or knee joint then re-apply the stockings.

Bruising

This is to be expected and should not cause concern. It will go away.

Pain and Tenderness

The treated veins will be tender to touch. Pain usually improves by walking or by taking paracetamol. It should not cause any concern.

Tender Hard Lumps

This is due to blood trapped in some of the treated veins. This is common and may persist for several weeks. If too tender, please contact us. It can be removed by the doctor or nurse at the following visit but should not cause any concern.

Swelling

You may develop ankle swelling after treatment. This is due to the veins breaking down. Please put the stockings on, walk regularly (see 1.1.10) and elevate your feet when resting. Swelling may persist for up to 3 months but will resolve. Please note that swelling may result in a sensation of numbness, however, this should not cause concern.

Stinging Sensation

You may feel a stinging sensation in your leg for a few weeks after the procedure. This is due to the veins breaking down and should not cause any concern.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings need to be worn for one-week day and night and if instructed by the doctor, a second week, daytime only. You should take the stockings off the morning after the procedure and remove the dressings.

Exercise and Walking

You are required to walk for 30 minutes at a moderate pace immediately after the procedure and then daily. Walking reduces the risk of blood clotting as it promotes the movement of blood through other veins.

If you must sit down for lengthy periods of time, please take time to stretch your legs and walk from time to time. Be sure to get adequate rest, and where possible, avoid standing for long periods of time. Continuous walking more than an hour a day is not recommended but you can go for multiple short walks up to 30 minutes every time.

You must avoid heavy exercise for 4 weeks after each procedure. This includes cardio, heavy weightlifting and other heavy physical activities. You can do upper body exercises and body weight squats and lunges. Pilates, yoga and other leg-stretching exercises are fine. However, please do not do Bikram (hot) yoga or reformer Pilates.

Pregnancy Oral Contraceptive and Hormone Replacement Therapy (‘HRT’)

Ensure you do not get pregnant whilst you are receiving vein treatments. The oral contraceptive pill or HRT should be stopped prior to treatment. If you have recently stopped your oral contraceptive, please arrange for an alternative method of contraception. With regards to HRT, alternatives can be recommended by your GP or gynaecologist. You can recommence your contraceptive pill and HRT one month after you have finished all your procedures.

Other Recommendations

  • Do not travel in a plane, car, or coach for more than 5 hours continuously for 4 weeks after your treatment.
  • You must wear your compression stockings while you travel.
  • Avoid exposure to excessive heat and the sun.
  • Do not take fish oil, krill oil or vitamin E supplements or iron tablets.