This information explains what a diagnostic venogram involves, why the procedure is recommended, and the possible risks and benefits. It is intended to support discussions between you and your healthcare team.
What is a Venogram?
A venogram is an X-ray examination used to look at the veins in your body. A special dye (contrast agent) is injected into a vein through a small tube (catheter or cannula) so that the veins can be seen clearly on X-ray images.
Your doctor has recommended this procedure to investigate symptoms or abnormalities affecting your veins.
Symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the arm or leg
- Pain or discomfort
- Changes in skin colour
- Poor circulation
- Problems with previous vein treatments or dialysis access
You may already have had other tests such as:
- Doppler ultrasound scan
- CT scan
- MRI scan
A venogram provides detailed images of the veins and blood flow.
How do I prepare?
You can eat and drink before the procedure unless told otherwise.
Please tell the team if you:
- Have any allergies or previously reacted to contrast dye
- Are diabetic
- Take blood thinning medication such as warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, or edoxaban
- Take metformin or insulin
You may need blood tests before the procedure to check kidney function and blood clotting.
How is it performed?
Consent
The operating interventional radiologist will explain this to you in more detail during the day of your procedure, where you will be asked to provide your permission to proceed by signing a consent form.
Anaesthetic
The procedure is usually performed in the radiology department under local anaesthetic.
You may feel:
- A brief stinging sensation when the local anaesthetic is injected
- Warmth when the contrast dye is injected
Most patients tolerate the procedure well.
Procedure
- A specially trained doctor called an Interventional Radiologist will perform the procedure.
- You will lie on an X-ray table.
- Monitoring equipment may be attached to measure your pulse, oxygen levels, and blood pressure.
- The skin over the area being examined is cleaned with antiseptic and covered with sterile drapes.
- Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin.
- A small tube (catheter or cannula) is inserted into a vein.
- Contrast dye is injected so the veins can be seen on X-ray images.
- X-ray images are taken to assess blood flow and identify any abnormalities.
At the end of the procedure the catheter or cannula is removed and pressure is applied to stop any bleeding.
The procedure usually takes around 15-30 minutes, although some procedures may take longer.
Staff involved
Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures are performed by a multidisciplinary team. The team includes the following key Staff:
What are the risks?
A venogram is generally a very safe procedure, but complications can occur.
Common:
- Small bruise at the puncture site
Uncommon or rare:
- Bleeding requiring further observation or treatment
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Kidney injury caused by contrast dye
What else to expect from this procedure?
Admission
This procedure is usually done as a day case. You will be admitted in Radiology Theatres as day case, we will clerk you in, gather some data and you will be asked to undress and put on suitable hospital gown. If you are already an inpatient, you will just go back to your ward after the procedure.
Recovery
After the procedure you will return to the recovery area.
Nursing staff will monitor:
- Blood pressure, pulse and oxygen levels
- The puncture site for bleeding
Most patients can go home shortly after the procedure.
Aftercare
For the first 24–48 hours:
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting
- Keep the puncture site clean and dry
- Drink plenty of fluids unless advised otherwise
Care at home
Driving:
- You can drive straight away unless told otherwise.
Work:
- You can usually return to work when comfortable.
Exercise:
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 24 hours.
Medicines:
- Continue your medications as advised by your doctor. You will be told when to restart blood thinning medication.
Follow up:
- Your referring doctor’s team will contact you to arrange a follow up appointment with your results.
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:
- Bleeding from the puncture site
- Increasing pain, swelling, or redness
- Fever or signs of infection
- Changes in the colour or temperature of the arm or leg
- Severe pain or swelling
Contact information
We hope some of your questions have been answered by this leaflet. If there are any questions you would like to ask before you come for your operation, please get in touch.
Interventional Radiology, St James’s University Hospital
Interventional Radiology, Leeds General Infirmary
Your GP or NHS 111
CALL 999 FOR A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY
How to get to our department
We are located in the Lincoln Wing of SJUH, Ground Floor. Check this link or click or scan the QR code to see how to get to us
How to get to our department
We are located in the Lincoln Wing of St James’s University Hospital, Ground Floor. Check this link to see how to get to us.
www.accessable.co.uk/leeds-teaching-hospitals-nhs-trust/st-james-s-university-hospital/access-guides/lincoln-wingWe are also located in the Jubilee Wing of Leeds General Infirmary, Ground Floor. Check this link to see how to get to us.
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