What is a Venogram

Venogram, or venography, is a procedure that uses an X-ray and dye (contrast) to examine how well the veins work and how blood flows through them. Contrast helps the veins show up on X-rays. A venogram may be done:

• To evaluate vein abnormalities.
• To identify clots within veins, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• To map out the veins that might be needed for another procedure.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have, especially to medicines, shellfish, iodine, and contrast.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had and any complications that occurred.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
• Any history of smoking or tobacco use.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Blood clots.
• Allergic reaction to medicines or contrast.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Kidney problems.
• X-ray exposure. Being exposed to too much radiation over a lifetime can increase the risk of cancer. The risk of this is small.

What happens before the procedure?

Medicines

Ask your health care provider about:

• Changing or stopping your normal medicines. This is especially important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
• Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your doctor instructs you not to.

General instructions

• You may have blood tests to check how well your kidneys and liver are working and how well your blood can clot.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating and drinking.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
• You may be given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• You will lie down on an X-ray table. The table may be tilted in different directions during the procedure to help the contrast move throughout your body. Safety straps will keep you secure if the table is tilted.
• If veins in your arm or leg will be examined, a band may be wrapped around that arm or leg to keep the veins full of blood. This may cause your arm or leg to feel numb.
• The contrast will be injected into your IV tube. You may notice a hot, flushed feeling as it moves throughout your body. You may also notice a metallic taste in your mouth. Both of these sensations will go away after the test is complete.
• You may be asked to lie in different positions or place your legs or arms in different positions.
• At the end of the procedure, you may be given IV fluids to help wash (flush) the contrast out of your veins.
• The IV tube will be removed, and pressure will be applied to the IV site to prevent bleeding. A bandage (dressing) may be applied to the IV site.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• You may be given something to eat and drink.
• You will be instructed to drink a lot of fluids for the rest of the day and the next day. This helps to help flush the contrast out of your body.
• If you were given a sedative, do not drive for 24 hours or until your health care provider approves.

Summary

• A venogram, or venography, is a procedure that uses an X-ray and dye (contrast) to examine how well the veins work and how blood flows through them. Contrast is a dye that helps the veins show up on X-rays.
• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins in order to inject the contrast.
• During the exam, you will lie on an X-ray table. The table may be tilted in different directions during the procedure to help the contrast move throughout your body. Safety straps will keep you secure.
• After the procedure, you will need to drink a lot of fluids to help wash (flush) the contrast out of your body.

Venogram, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• Bruising or mild discomfort in the area where the IV was inserted (insertion site).

Follow these instructions at home:

Eating and drinking

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Drink a lot of fluids for the first several days after the procedure, as directed by your health care provider. This helps to wash (flush) the contrast out of your body. Examples of healthy fluids include water or low-calorie drinks.

General instructions

• Check your IV insertion area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid or blood.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Rest and return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a medicine to help you relax (sedative), or until your health care provider approves.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your skin becomes itchy or you develop a rash or hives.
• You have a fever that does not get better with medicine.
• You feel nauseous.
• You vomit.
• You have redness, swelling, or pain around the insertion site.
• You have fluid or blood coming from the insertion site.
• Your insertion area feels warm to the touch.
• You have pus or a bad smell coming from the insertion site.

Get help right away if:

• You have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• You develop chest pain.
• You faint.
• You feel very dizzy.

These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• After your procedure, it is common to have bruising or mild discomfort in the area where the IV was inserted.
• You should check your IV insertion area every day for signs of infection.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• You should drink a lot of fluids for the first several days after the procedure to help flush the contrast from your body.