Can the same results be achieved if a microphlebectomy is done before endovenous laser ablation?

My doctor didn't notice the saphenous vein was abnormal until right before the microphlebectomy was to be done. He suggested that we could do the endovenous laser ablation later on. Will the same results be achieved if the microphlebectomy was done first?

Answers from doctors (7)


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 21, 2013

The process (microphlebectomy before endovenous laser ablation) should be fine. Just proceed soon before more veins have time to develop.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

The process (microphlebectomy before endovenous laser ablation) should be fine. Just proceed soon before more veins have time to develop.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Varicose veins are a result of the valvular insufficiency in the saphenous trunk. If microphlebectomies are done first, then the source of the problem still exists. This is a backwards way of solving the problem.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Varicose veins are a result of the valvular insufficiency in the saphenous trunk. If microphlebectomies are done first, then the source of the problem still exists. This is a backwards way of solving the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 21, 2013

There should be no harm in doing a phlebectomy before the ablation, but you may develop new veins if the saphenous vein isn't sealed with ablation. Varicose veins are often a sort of "pressure relief system" for a deeper vein which is refluxing. This can cause pressure on smaller branches.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

There should be no harm in doing a phlebectomy before the ablation, but you may develop new veins if the saphenous vein isn't sealed with ablation. Varicose veins are often a sort of "pressure relief system" for a deeper vein which is refluxing. This can cause pressure on smaller branches.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Yes. However, if you wait a few years to treat the small saphenous vein (SSV), then new varices are more likely appear in the interim period.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Yes. However, if you wait a few years to treat the small saphenous vein (SSV), then new varices are more likely appear in the interim period.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Conceivably yes. However, your situation begs the question: did you have a complete venous ultrasound study done prior to surgery? If so, why was the venous incompetence in your saphenous vein not noted by both the RVT who did the study and/or your doctor? This should have been discussed with you prior to having the microphlebectomy since, as you alluded, the saphenous vein is incompetent or "abnormal." The end result will, in all likelihood, be fine. The order they've taken is just rather backwards. It is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. We would normally do the closure of the incompetent vein first and then do the microstab phlebectomies either at the same time or at a later date after seeing if the closure causes the varicosities to diminish. Sometimes, closure is all that is needed to diminish the varicosity.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Conceivably yes. However, your situation begs the question: did you have a complete venous ultrasound study done prior to surgery? If so, why was the venous incompetence in your saphenous vein not noted by both the RVT who did the study and/or your doctor? This should have been discussed with you prior to having the microphlebectomy since, as you alluded, the saphenous vein is incompetent or "abnormal." The end result will, in all likelihood, be fine. The order they've taken is just rather backwards. It is a bit like putting the cart before the horse. We would normally do the closure of the incompetent vein first and then do the microstab phlebectomies either at the same time or at a later date after seeing if the closure causes the varicosities to diminish. Sometimes, closure is all that is needed to diminish the varicosity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Probably yes, but sometimes if the refluxing vein is treated first, then you might not need the phlebectomy. The other potential problem is that there might be more bleeding during the phlebectomy if the source of reflux has not been treated first.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Probably yes, but sometimes if the refluxing vein is treated first, then you might not need the phlebectomy. The other potential problem is that there might be more bleeding during the phlebectomy if the source of reflux has not been treated first.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Yes, the same results can be achieved if a microphlebectomy is performed before endovenous laser ablation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Yes, the same results can be achieved if a microphlebectomy is performed before endovenous laser ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Microphlebectomy

Microphlebectomy -8 answers
How long does it take one to recover after vein surgery?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
What is the length of recovery?
See More
Microphlebectomy -10 answers
I am 6 days post op from microphlebectomy. How long should I wear compression hose? Everyone seems to really vary with this answer...
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
I had a laser ablation and microphlebectomy for a large varicosity from the inner thigh to the lower shin. When will I be able to shave my legs, go swimming and use lotion with a tanning agent?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
I had some phlebectomy's 5 weeks ago (2 at the ankle, 1 over the knee, 1 medial superior calf). I have burning pain & tenderness over some of the remaining posterior veins in the calf. DVT was ruled out. How long does phlebitis last? is this normal?
See More
Microphlebectomy -4 answers
Is there any danger to having veins under the eyes removed? Should this procedure be avoided if the patient has circulatory problems? How wide are the incisions for removing under eye veins? What is the cost of this procedure typically?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
How bruised will my legs be after the Microphlebectomy procedure?|
See More
Microphlebectomy -8 answers
I want to have my varicose veins on my legs addressed. Are there certain circumstances where microphlebectomy is better than endovenous ablation? Or vice versa?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Microphlebectomy -4 answers
I had a microphlebectomy a week ago. The doctor inserted a lot of fluid in the veins to deaden them. I am now having a lot of drainage from one of the cuts. It is yellow in color. Is this normal, or is it something I should be concerned about?
See More
Microphlebectomy -10 answers
I've heard microphlebectomy is a newer surgical treatment method for varicose veins. What exactly is it, and is it as effective as other surgical or minimally-invasive treatment options?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
I have small pieces of tissue coming from several incision sites. I can pull them and trim some, but then they bleed a little. Should I be trimming this tissue? Also, what about the incision site on top of my foot that hurts a lot and sends shooting pain down my foot?
See More
Microphlebectomy -9 answers
Will I be put under? What is typically used for pain?
See More
Microphlebectomy -7 answers
Ten days after microphlebectomy I still have numbness and tingling on the top and medial aspect of my right foot and ankle. What is this from and will it resolve?
See More
Microphlebectomy -5 answers
Do the incisions take longer to heal?
See More
Microphlebectomy -10 answers
It's been five weeks since my microphlebectomy on my leg and there are still many red bruise-type areas, that are very sensitive. Is this normal? And when will they disappear?
See More
Microphlebectomy -7 answers
I've heard microphlebectomy described as minimally invasive, but from what I understand it's still surgery. Wont there still be scars?
See More
Microphlebectomy -3 answers
I just had a microphlebectomy on my left leg yesterday and my leg is pretty sore, especially on my knee where he took out a vein. I still have gauze on them but was wondering if I should put bacterium or neosporin ointment on all the little cuts.
See More
Microphlebectomy -8 answers
I have large varicose veins on both legs and am trying to figure out what the best treatment is. Microphlebectomy and ambulatory phlebectomy both are surgical procedures, and they sound kind of the same. Which is better?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR