Leg Venogram
Date issued: November 2024
For review: November 2026
Ref: B-528/LD/Radiology/Leg Venogram
PDF: Leg Venogram.pdf [pdf] 201KB
This leaflet tells you about having a leg venogram. It explains what is involved and what the possible risks are. It is not meant to replace informed discussion between you and your doctor but can act as a starting point for such discussions. If you have any questions about the procedure, please ask the doctor who has referred you or the department which is going to perform it.
Referral and consent
The referring clinician should have discussed the reasons for this examination with you in the clinic and you should make sure that you understand these before attending. You will be referred to an Interventional Radiologist for this procedure. Interventional Radiologists are doctors who have trained and specialised in imaging and x-ray treatments.
Before the procedure you will need to sign a consent form, if one hasn’t been previously completed. This form says that you need to know what risks are involved. This is a legal requirement and ensures that you are fully informed about your procedure.
If after discussion with your hospital doctor or radiologist, you do not want this examination then you can decide against it. If the radiologist feels that your condition has changed or that your symptoms do not indicate such a procedure is necessary, then they will explain this to you and communicate with the referring clinician. You will return to your referring clinician for review.
At all times the radiologist and referring clinician will be acting in your best interests.
What is venogram?
A venogram is a procedure using x-rays and dye (contrast agent) to gauge the flow of blood through the veins in the leg.
Why do you need a venogram?
A venogram is one of the more accurate tests used for diagnosing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) but can also be used to diagnose other abnormalities.
Other tests such as a Doppler ultrasound may have already been performed.
Are there any risks?
Venography is a very safe procedure and is normally carried out with no significant side effects at all. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks and complications that can arise. A small bruise (haematoma) around the site of the needle can occur, but this is quite normal.
The dye (contrast agent) used during the procedure is very safe, but occasionally can cause damage to the kidneys. This occurs mainly in patients whose kidney function is abnormal already. Allergic reactions to the dye are also possible but are very rarely serious.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant you should notify the department. A baby in the womb may be more sensitive to radiation than an adult. There is no problem with something like an x-ray of the hand or chest because the radiation field is at a safe distance from the foetus. However, special precautions are required for examinations where the womb is in, or near, the beam of radiation. If you are a female of childbearing age the radiographer will ask you if there is any chance of you being pregnant before the examination begins and you will be asked to sign a form. If there is a possibility of pregnancy, then your case will be discussed with the team looking after you to decide whether or not to recommend postponing the investigation.
There will be occasions when diagnosing and treating your illness is essential for your health and where the benefit clearly outweighs the small radiation risks. The procedure may go ahead after discussing all the options with you.
Are you required to make any special preparations?
Leg venography is usually carried out as a day case procedure under local anaesthetic.
You may eat and drink as normal unless sedation has been discussed beforehand with the referring team/radiologist.
If you are diabetic, your doctors will advise you about any changes needed to your normal medication. If you have any allergies or have previously had a reaction to the dye (contrast agent), you must tell the radiology staff before you have the test.
Who will you see?
A specially trained team led by a radiologist within the x-ray department. Radiologists have special expertise in reading the images and using imaging to aid diagnosis and treatment.
Where will the procedure take place?
If you are having the procedure as a day case, then you will attend PIU/Postbridge ward prior. You will be asked to get undressed and put on a hospital gown. A small cannula (thin tube) may be placed into a vein in your arm.
Our porters will collect you and bring you to the interventional radiology suite which is located within
X-ray East. This is similar to an operating theatre into which specialised X-ray equipment has been installed.
What happens during a venogram?
Before the procedure, the radiologist will explain the procedure and ask you if you have signed a consent form. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have and, remember that even at this stage, you can decide against going ahead with the procedure if you so wish.
You will be asked to lie on the X-ray table, generally flat on your back. The X-ray machine will be positioned above you.
The Radiologist places a needle into a vein in the foot of the leg being looked at, so that an intravenous (IV) line can be inserted. The contrast dye is then injected through this line into the vein and allows the doctor to evaluate the size and condition of the veins in the leg.
A tourniquet may be placed on your leg, so the dye flows into the deeper veins.
X-rays are taken as the dye flows through the leg.
Once the radiologist is satisfied with the images, the needle will be removed. Firm pressure will be applied to the skin entry point, to prevent any bleeding.
Will it hurt?
It may sting a little when the needle is inserted. You may feel a warm sensation when the dye is injected and feel like you are passing urine.
How long will it take?
Every patient's situation is different, and it is not always easy to predict how complex or how straightforward the procedure will be. As a guide, expect to be in the X-ray department for about an hour.
What happens afterwards?
You will not be given the results of your venogram before you go home. Although the pictures are checked before you leave, the Radiologist will need to study them thoroughly before making a report. The report will be sent to the doctor who requested the venogram. If you were sent by your GP, then you can make an appointment to see them for the result in about two weeks time. If you were sent by a hospital specialist, the results will be sent to them, and they will contact you. If you already have an outpatient appointment booked, you should keep this.
Other Risks
Venography is a very safe procedure but as with any procedure or operation complications are possible. We have included the most common risks and complications in this leaflet.
We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day of our lives. This comes from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Each examination gives a dose on top of this natural background radiation.
Any exposure to ionising radiation (e.g. X-rays) has the potential to cause cancer later in life. This is much lower than the risk we all have of developing cancer in our life of ~1 in 3 and will be considered by the doctor before your procedure.
For information about the effects of X-rays read the publication: “X-rays how safe are they” on the Health Protection Agency
Finally
Some of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the doctors looking after you. Make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information about the procedure.
Contact
Interventional Radiology Department
01752 430838 - IR Co-ordinator
01752 432063 – Bookings Clerk
Additional Information
Bus services:
There are regular bus services to Derriford Hospital. Please contact:
Car parking:
Hospital car parking is available to all patients and visitors. Spaces are limited so please allow plenty of time to locate a car parking space. A charge is payable.
Park and Ride:
Buses (1/1A/42C/34) run from the George Junction Park and Ride Mon-Sat (except Bank Holidays) every 15/20 mins from 6am. The last bus leaves the hospital at 11:30pm.
Plympton Park and Ride (52) runs from Coypool Park and Ride.
Parking is free although you will need to purchase a ticket to travel on the bus.
Patient Transport:
For patients unable to use private or public transport please contact The Patient Transport Service:
Devon GP: 0345 155 1009
Cornwall GP: 01872 252211
Comments and Suggestions
We welcome comments and suggestions to help us improve our service.
