Nerve Injury in venous procedures: Malpractice, characteristics, and strategies to avoid it

Abstract

Nerve damage is the most important reason for malpractice claims after venous procedures. The incidence of nerve damage varies according to the technique and 4% to 23% present symptoms of nerve damage after varicose vein operations. The knowledge about nerve physiology and anatomy, proper preoperative ultrasound planning, clear communication, safe operation protocols, and good clinical records are pivotal to avoid such complications. Even so, there is no guarantee that a lesion will not occur. Nerve damage can happen with the best surgeons. The purpose of this paper is to review nerve physiology and its anatomy in relation to saphenous veins, to relate the incidence of nerve injury to each surgical technique and to outline strategies to prevent and treat this complication.