Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content ++ Swelling.Leg heaviness.Aching.Cramping.Skin discoloration.Venous ulcers. ++ Acute deep venous thrombosis.Malformation of the deep venous system.Active infection.Symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.Cardiopulmonary comorbidities (relative). ++ The patient is usually placed in the supine position initially, with exposure of the entire affected extremity.The leg should be prepared circumferentially from the inguinal ligament to the foot.If necessary, the patient may be repositioned prone. This is especially helpful when access to posterior perforators or the small saphenous vein is necessary. ++ A short stretch bandage is applied in the operating room, and covered with an elastic bandage.For the first night, patients are allowed to walk and are instructed to elevate the leg when resting.Patients are encouraged to ambulate on postoperative day 1 and to return to normal activity by 48 hours, keeping the leg elevated when resting.The dressing may be removed after 48 hours; the leg should be kept clean and dry.Compression stockings or wraps should be worn thereafter, with the patient continuing to elevate the legs when possible. ++ Bleeding or hematoma formation.Surgical site infection.Deep venous thrombosis.Leg swelling. Your Access profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Username? Forgot Password? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth