Every year thousands of patients in the US undergo cosmetic vein procedures in the hope of getting rid of their swollen legs and unsightly varicose veins. In like manner, many patients having back surgery also suffer from swollen legs following their surgery. Unfortunately, in a large percentage of these patients, a well known but often unrecognized and undiagnosed condition know as Iliac Vein Compression is the cause of this unexpected complication. Further complicating this issue is that even when the procedure is successful, patients complain of on-going leg swelling, heaviness, and pain in their legs.
Internet searches for, “Why do my legs continue to swell following my varicose vein or back surgery?” are everywhere on the internet and lead many patients to simplified, incomplete answers. Confused, patients return to their primary care or specialist seeking answers to their questions and are told that leg swelling is a known complication of this kind of procedure and that they must learn to live with this complication. Patients are left in a difficult position where they continue to suffer and have no answers for what to do next
Over the past 5 years, significant advances in medical imaging and device technology have given Vascular surgeons new ways to treat leg swelling. Today, with the help of this new technology, trained vascular surgeons are able to restore normal blood flow to the lower legs in a straightforward, outpatient procedure that has led to significantly better outcomes than ever before possible.
Dr. Kokinos, a board certified vascular and general surgeon, is a nationally recognized expert in treating a medical condition known as iliac-vein compression or May Thurner’s disease. In her nationally accredited ambulatory surgery center located in Campbell, CA. Dr Kokinos has performed over 250 IVUS procedures (a specialized intravascular ultrasound scan) to evaluate for and to treat this disease. Dr. Kokinos is a highly sought after expert in this area of vascular surgery and has has presented her findings at pre-eminent vascular surgery conferences in Miami, Fl. OEIS, San Francisco Vascular Surgery meetings and in Cypress, Greece where she has spoken to global audiences about her work in the care and treatment of patients suffering from swollen legs.
If you or anyone you know suffers from swollen legs, especially left leg swelling, have been diagnosed with a DVT (blood clot), or experiences leg swelling, excessive pain following a cosmetic vein procedure (EVLT, Laser Sclerotheraphy etc.) or back surgery ask your physician to speak with you about May-Thurner’s disease and Iliac Vein Compression.
At South Bay Vascular Center and Vein Institute we can help fix your swollen, achy legs and can help you “Get Back Your Life”.
If you or anyone you know suffers from a swollen leg following a cosmetic vein or back surgery, give us a call at 408-376-3626 to schedule an appointment.