What Causes Severe Swelling In Leg And Groin Area Post Cardiac Ablation?

Posted on Sun, 20 Sep 2015

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

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 12 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I just received an ablation procedure. I had a lot of swelling in the groing area and legs. Most of that
has subsided but now my feet are swelling. I know this is probably due to water retention but why
has it just started. The procedure was done on the 15th and I came home on the 16th. My heart is back
in rythim but my breathing has gotten worse. I have COPD.

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Right haart decompensation is the usual cause

Detailed Answer:
Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic

The swelling is most likely from right heart failure – consequent to COPD… / might have been precipitated now by the stress from the procedure, subsequent silent infection, venous thrombosis (any place from calf to Inferior vena cava in the abdomen) and so on... You may need further investigations like blood tests and Doppler studies to know further and assist in the management…. The treating doctor alone could conclude better based on total clinical picture…
Prognosis is generally good in such situations

Good luck
God bless you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar