What to discuss with your doctor, how the necessary tests are selected, and what to bring on the day of your procedure.
Preparation starts with an assessment
Before the procedure, the doctor reviews your symptoms, examines your legs, and may perform a duplex ultrasound scan. The findings help select the treatment and create an individual preparation plan.
Which tests you may need
There is no single test list that applies to every patient. The assessment depends on the procedure and anaesthesia, your age, general health, medical conditions, and medicines. Some people may not need routine tests before a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor or clinic will give you the exact list and tell you how recent each result must be.
What to tell your doctor
- All medicines and supplements. This is especially important for medicines that affect blood clotting.
- Allergies and previous reactions. Mention reactions to medicines, antiseptics, dressings, or anaesthesia.
- Medical conditions. Tell the team about pregnancy or possible pregnancy, heart, kidney or lung disease, diabetes, and bleeding or clotting disorders.
- Changes in your health. Fever, an acute infection, inflamed skin on the leg, or new symptoms may change the procedure plan.
Do not stop or change any medicine on your own. Your doctor should advise you about each medicine.
The day before and the day of treatment
- Follow your personal instructions about food and drink. These depend on the type of anaesthesia planned.
- Shower and avoid cream or oil on the leg if your clinic has asked you to do so.
- Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring compression hosiery if it has been prescribed.
- Bring identification, your medicine list, previous scan or clinic reports, and any test results the clinic requested.
- Arrange transport home and an escort in advance if you will have sedation or have been advised not to drive after the procedure.
When to contact the clinic before your visit
Contact the clinic if you become unwell, start a new medicine, cannot follow the instructions, or develop new pain, swelling, or redness in the leg. The team will tell you whether the timing or treatment plan needs to change.
Your personal instructions take priority
This article follows the general principles in guidance from NICE and the European Society for Vascular Surgery. Instructions from your doctor and clinic take priority because they reflect your health and the exact procedure planned.