Instructions Following Varicose Vein Ligation And Stab Phlebectomy

Activity:

1. For the first 2 days elevate the extremity above your heart for 45 minutes out of every hour.
2. After 2 days you may remove the ace wraps while your legs are elevated, but if you wish to get up and walk around, you must rewrap them.

Dressing:

1. You will have a dressing in place covered by 1 or 2 ace wraps.
2. You may remove the dressing in 48 hours. Leave the small plastic strips (steri-strips) in place.  No other dressing is needed.
3. Once the dressing is removed, you may shower. Pat the areas dry—do not rub.  Do not use cream, lotion, or alcohol on the incision areas.
4. There may be a small amount of blood, clear beige or yellow discharge from the incisions for a couple of days. This is normal.
5. Re-wrap the affected leg at least twice daily from the base of your toes to above the knee with ace wraps.

Diet:

1. Start with a liquid diet.
2. Return to your normal diet as you tolerate it.

Medication:

1. Return to your normal medications.
2. Pain medicine can be constipating, use suppositories as you need them.

Later on:

1. After the first visit to the doctor you may go back to wearing compression stockings if they do not bother your incisions.
2. It is also important to encourage venous blood flow by elevating the legs above the level of the heart, walking frequently, and doing exercise that uses the leg muscles.
3. Wearing compression stockings helps prevent more varicose veins.
4. Talk to your doctor about returning to work.

Please call our office at 541- 754-1286 if there are any questions.