Risk of pernoral nerve damage from phelebectomy around knee?

Question

If someone needs evlt and phelebectomy. From what I can tell having a bulging tourtous anterior accessory saphenous vein removed with phelebectomy. I am extremely concerned about nerve damage and permanent disability. From pictures online the nerve seems to be in same general area. Is there anyway to prevent that from happening,?

Thomas Wright, MD · Answer

Phlebectomy can be used to remove large varicose veins.  Around the knee, there is a real risk of nerve injury.  Surgeon experience matters and may lessen the risk.   Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy is an excellent option to remove tortuous varicose veins and does not have a risk for nerve injury.  The only way to be sure to not have the nerve injury is to have the foam sclerotherapy treatment instead of the phlebectomy

Vincent Gardner, MD · Answer

Hi Luminous343978, 
Treatment of veins using modern endovenous techniques involves a combination of several different procedures...endovenous thermal ablation (RF or Laser), microphlebectomy and sclerotherapy (physician compounded vs commercial). Nerve injury is a known risk for any procedure. Having said that I have been doing vein procedures for 2 decades and I have never seen a long term motor nerve injury. I'm not saying they don't happen but permanent motor nerve injuries that can affect movement are rare. I do see sensory nerve injuries that are typically short term and can cause discomfort and numbness but these usually resolve over time. I think you are worried about a peroneal nerve injury from phlebectomies on the lateral aspect of the knee. This area is where the nerve lives so anyone working in this area needs to be cautious. Vein patients are some of the happiest patients because their symptoms almost always improve after treatment. I hope this helps!

Risk of pernoral nerve damage from phelebectomy around knee?

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Risk of pernoral nerve damage from phelebectomy around knee?

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