What Are the Risks of Endothermal Ablation Surgery?

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calfEndothermal ablation surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the treatment of varicose veins. However, like any surgery it can present some risks. Before deciding whether or not to go ahead with the procedure, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into.

Common general side effects

The most common side effects of endothermal ablation surgery include:

  • Pain/discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Numbness or tightness

Pain and discomfort is something you’d expect to feel from any surgery. However, severe pain is rare. You’ll typically be given pain medication to control the discomfort following the procedure, but if you’re experiencing severe pain you will need to contact the surgeon.

Swelling and bruising are also to be expected, though this should be minimal due to the minimally invasive approach of the surgery. If you experience numbness or tightness you should notice this disappears after a few weeks. It’s also common for pins and needles to develop as you regain sensation to the leg.

Specific risks to be aware of

Any surgery carried out on the legs produces a risk of deep vein thrombosis. However, the risk of this developing after endothermal ablation surgery is just 0.3% compared to a staggering 5% with the older vein stripping procedure.

Wearing compression stockings can also reduce the chances of developing deep vein thrombosis after the surgery.
Endothermal ablation fails to close the vein in about 3% of people, and in these cases the treatment may need to be repeated.

A very small percentage of patients have also reported skin burns. This is down to the strength of the laser, but it’s an extremely rare side effect that you’re unlikely to experience. Sometimes you can get some skin discolouration and thickening along the line of the treated vein if it is close to the skin, and this can take a few months to fade.

Overall you’ll be informed about the risks and side effects of endothermal ablation during your initial consultation at the Cornwall Vein Clinic. The consultation also offers you the opportunity to ask any questions and for us to determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

Call us today to book your consultation and find out whether endothermal ablation is the right treatment choice for you.