Name of the Procedure:

Anesthesia for procedures on veins of lower leg; venous thrombectomy, direct or with catheter

Summary

Venous thrombectomy is a surgical procedure to remove blood clots (thrombi) from veins in the lower leg. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.

Purpose

This procedure aims to alleviate symptoms caused by blood clots, such as pain, swelling, and reduced blood flow. The expected outcome is the removal of the clot and restoration of normal blood circulation in the affected vein.

Indications

• Symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, and redness in the lower leg
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Failure of conservative treatments such as anticoagulants

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure
• Adjusting or stopping certain medications as advised by the healthcare provider
• Pre-operative physical examination and blood tests

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia Administration: The patient is administered either general or regional anesthesia to induce sedation and prevent pain.
2. Incision: A small incision is made over the affected vein.
3. Blood Clot Removal: Using a catheter or direct surgical approach, the blood clot is carefully removed.
4. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and a bandage is applied.
5. Monitoring: Vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 1-2 hours.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital or surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Nurses
• Surgical technologists

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Damage to the vein or surrounding tissues
• Anesthesia-related risks such as allergic reactions

Benefits

• Immediate relief from pain and swelling
• Improved blood flow
• Reduced risk of further complications such as pulmonary embolism

Recovery

• Patients may need to stay in the hospital for observation
• Pain management through prescribed medications
• Compression stockings may be recommended to promote blood flow
• Recovery time can vary but typically spans a few weeks
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring recovery and preventing recurrence

Alternatives

• Anticoagulant medications to prevent clot formation
• Thrombolytic therapy to dissolve clots
• Compression therapy
• The choice of alternative treatment depends on the clot's size, location, and patient's overall health.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, the patient will be asleep or sedated and should not feel pain.
• Post-procedure pain can be managed with medications.
• Some discomfort or swelling at the incision site is normal.
• Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities until fully recovered.

By following your healthcare provider's instructions and attending follow-up appointments, you can ensure the best possible outcome from the procedure.