Why is this procedure done?
Venography is an x-ray test that uses a dye, called contrast, to show the veins in your body. Lower leg venography is done to see the veins in your leg. It is done to: � �
- Find blood clots in your leg
- Check for any problem in the veins
- Find tumors or swelling
- Look for the cause of a blood clot that ends up in your lung or heart
- Look for blockage in a vein
- Find good veins to use for surgery
- Look for causes of, or problems from, varicose veins
View OriginalView Original
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
Results will show if blood clots or other problems are present. It may show why problems happened. Your doctor will talk about the results with you. � �
What happens before the procedure?
- Drink clear fluids only. Do not eat anything before the test.
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you have diabetes and take Glucophage or metformin.
- If you are or may be pregnant
- You may be given a dye called "contrast " � for this procedure. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to dye or shellfish.
- Remove all jewelry.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on an x-ray table. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help with pain.
- Your doctor may use a drug to numb an area in your foot over a vein. Your doctor will put an I.V. into a vein in your foot. A contrast dye will be given. The dye will show the flow of blood through your veins so a good exam can be done.
- A tight band may be tied around your ankle. Your lower leg may be tilted. This helps the dye to flow through and fill your veins. The dye may cause a slight burning feeling or may feel warm. You will be asked to stay still. An x-ray will be taken as the dye flows through your veins in your leg.
- The I.V. in your vein will be taken out after the procedure. Pressure is applied until bleeding stops.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
You may have soreness, tenderness, or bruising at the I.V. site for a few days. You should be able to go home after the procedure. � �
What care is needed at home?
- Rest when you get home, especially if you had drugs to make you drowsy. You should be able to go back to your normal activities after the procedure.
- Drink lots of fluids. This will help flush out the dye from your body.
- Check for any signs like swelling, redness, pain or drainage from the cut site.
What follow-up care is needed?
The results will help your doctor understand what kind of problem you have with your leg. Together you can make a plan for more care. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What problems could happen?
- Signs of a very bad reaction to the dye. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call for emergency help or go to the ER right away if you get any of these signs.
- Less kidney function
- Blood clots may form or get worse
Where can I learn more?
Heart Healthy Women � �
http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/tests-diagnosis/peripheral-vascular-disease/venography.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �