About Radionuclide Venography
Key Highlights
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Non-invasive and generally painless diagnostic procedure.No iodinated contrast is used, reducing risk for patients with kidney impairment or contrast allergies.Provides both anatomical and functional information about venous blood flow.Highly sensitive for detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially in the pelvis and lower limbs.Can assess venous valve function and identify sites of venous reflux or insufficiency.Involves minimal radiation exposure, which is typically low and considered safe.liOften performed as an outpatient procedure with no need for an overnight hospital stay./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly when ultrasound is inconclusive or to evaluate pelvic veins.
- Evaluation of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins to assess valve function.
- Pre-operative mapping of venous anatomy prior to vascular surgery.
- Assessment of venous patency (openness) in patients with suspected venous obstruction or compression.
- Evaluation of congenital venous malformations.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for venous disorders, such as after thrombolytic therapy.
- Investigation of unexplained leg swelling, pain, or ulceration.
How to prepare
- Inform your doctor about all medications, allergies (especially to iodine or radiopharmaceuticals), and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Usually, no fasting is required before the procedure.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and remove any metal objects from the area to be imaged.
- You may be asked to drink extra fluids before the test to ensure good hydration.
- The nuclear medicine team will explain the procedure and obtain your informed consent.
- No special dietary restrictions are typically needed.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor discomfort or bruising at the injection site.
- Allergic reaction to the radiopharmaceutical, though this is extremely rare.
- Low-level radiation exposure; the benefits of an accurate diagnosis almost always outweigh this minimal risk.
- There is a very small risk of infection at the injection site.
- Potential for claustrophobia or anxiety during imaging, though the gamma camera does not fully enclose the body.
Recovery & hospital stay
- The procedure is typically outpatient, and you can resume normal activities and diet immediately afterward.
- Drink plenty of fluids for the next 24 hours to help flush the tracer from your body.
- The radioactive tracer will naturally decay and be eliminated from your body within a day or two.
- No special wound care is needed for the small injection site; keep it clean and dry.
- Your doctor will discuss the imaging results with you at a follow-up appointment to determine the next steps.
- Report any signs of infection (increased redness, pain, swelling at injection site) or severe allergic reaction to your doctor immediately, though these are very uncommon.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 0 days (Immediate resumption of normal activities)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering radionuclide venography in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with nuclear medicine departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform radionuclide venography. MediFyr helps you compare nuclear medicines and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for radionuclide venography compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 4.5 Thousand – 12 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 0 days (Immediate resumption of normal activities) | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 15.8 Thousand – 42 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 0 days (Immediate resumption of normal activities) | Know More |
Sophia Joshi, a 42-year-old graphic designer...
Sophia Joshi, a 42-year-old graphic designer and mother of two, had a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in her left leg five years prior. Recently, she began experiencing a persistent, heavy aching and swelling in the same leg, especially after long days at her desk. Her primary care physician, concerned about a possible recurrence or post-thrombotic syndrome, referred her to a vascular specialist. The specialist, noting her history and symptoms, recommended a Radionuclide Venography to get a clear, dynamic picture of the venous blood flow in her leg and to check for any blockages or valve damage, as it was more sensitive for chronic issues than a standard ultrasound. During the procedure, Sophia felt anxious but was reassured by the calm nuclear medicine technologist who explained each step. The injection of the tracer was a quick pinch, and she had to lie still on the scanning table for about an hour, which she found meditative. The scan revealed no new acute clot but did show some venous insufficiency and scarring from her old DVT, explaining her symptoms. Post-procedure, she was advised to wear compression stockings and increase movement, which significantly reduced her swelling and discomfort. Emotionally, Sophia moved from a state of fear and dread about another serious clot to one of relief and understanding. While she had a chronic condition to manage, knowing the exact cause lifted a weight off her shoulders and allowed her to take proactive, rather than fearful, steps for her health.
Nuclear Medicines for Radionuclide Venography
Explore experienced nuclear medicines who regularly perform radionuclide venography and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 11 Years Experience
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Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 25 Years Experience
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
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Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 28 Years Experience
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Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 13 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
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Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Kolkata
- 6 Years Experience
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Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon