My Daughter (15years Old, 167cm, 50kg) Had Operations For Popliteal Venous Entrapment Syndrome How Long Does It Generally Take An Athlete To Go Back To Training After A Surgery?

Posted on Wed, 15 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 Answered on

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter (15years old, 167cm, 50kg) had operations for popliteal venous entrapment syndrome. She still feels very uncomfortable and she can't do exercise.
Actually she wants to be a pro tennis player. How much muscle is usually cut off for an athlete in a surgery? In her case it was 3-4gram, her doctor says. It seems it was not enough but the doctor was anxious for her to return to training, so he cut off less. Also how long does it generally take an athlete to go back to training after a surgery?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
she needs 2-3 months for full recovery

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I reviewed your query and here is my advice.
How much muscle is cut depends on the length of narrowing and grade of narrwing.There is not a specific range. She needs good rehabilitation physiotherapy to rich her performance.
Physical rehabilitation and reconditioning in most athletes is completed within 2 to 3 months. So she can train in full performance in 2-3 months.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

It has already passed nearly 3 months. She was checked by ultra sound one month after the second surgery. Her doctor said that muscle still pressed vein a little.
That's why I think the amount of muscle cut off was not enough.
She had surgery in Japan because there is no doctor who can do here in Malaysia.
So I'm afraid of asking any physio for her since nobody is familiar with this disease and surgery.
Even if she still feels some pain, is it ok to start rehabilitation with a physio?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Maybe another surgery is needed but first physiotherapy.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
If she had normal physical activity it was ok to have a little pain . Since she will be a professional athlete her vein should be completely free from compression.
I think she may need a new intervention.
I think there were not cut all strictures as comes out from ultrasound.
I think she can start physiotherapy and see how she will react before deciding for next surgery.
Wishing her good health.
Thanks.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj