Our Summary

This research paper discusses a unique case of a young patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, a rare congenital condition that often affects blood vessels, soft tissues, and bones. The patient had a severe infection (septic thrombophlebitis) in their leg’s superficial veins - the ones you can often see just under the skin. The infection was treated with antibiotics delivered via an IV (intravenous) line, medicines to prevent blood clots (anticoagulant therapy), and surgery to remove the clotted blood (thrombi).

FAQs

  1. What is the treatment plan for a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome who has developed septic superficial thrombophlebitis?
  2. How common is septic superficial thrombophlebitis in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome?
  3. What is the role of surgical intervention in treating septic superficial thrombophlebitis?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing superficial thrombophlebitis surgery to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including keeping the affected area elevated, applying ice packs, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to follow up with your doctor for any signs of infection or complications.

Suitable For

Patients with superficial thrombophlebitis surgery are typically recommended for those who have severe or extensive thrombophlebitis that does not respond to conservative treatment, those at risk for complications such as sepsis or pulmonary embolism, or those with underlying conditions such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome that predispose them to thrombosis. Surgery may be necessary to remove the thrombus and prevent further complications.

Timeline

Before surgery:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling in the affected extremity.
  2. Diagnosis of superficial thrombophlebitis is confirmed through physical examination and imaging tests.
  3. Patient may be prescribed pain medication and compression stockings to manage symptoms.
  4. Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is evidence of infection.

After surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes surgical removal of thrombi to prevent further complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
  2. Intravenous antibiotics are administered based on culture results to treat the infection.
  3. Anticoagulant therapy may be initiated to prevent blood clots from forming.
  4. Patient is closely monitored for signs of infection and clot formation post-surgery.
  5. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess healing and monitor for any complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and benefits of surgery for superficial thrombophlebitis in my case?
  2. How long is the recovery time after surgery?
  3. Will I need to continue taking anticoagulant therapy after the surgery?
  4. What are the chances of the thrombophlebitis returning after surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments to surgery that I should consider?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take to prevent future episodes of superficial thrombophlebitis?
  8. Are there any specific symptoms or signs I should watch out for after surgery that may indicate a complication?
  9. Can you provide more information about Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and how it may affect my treatment and recovery process?
  10. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should follow after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Galyfos G, Kastrisios G, Giannakakis S, Maltezos C. Journal: Acta Chir Belg. 2019 Apr;119(2):137-138. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2018.1534394. Epub 2018 Nov 2. PMID: 30388396