I am getting mixed information from two reputed physicians, who should I trust more?

I am a 25-year-old male who has been diagnosed with varicose veins in my both legs. I went to two reputed radiologists in my town and as per their reports, all my junctions are competent except one incompetent branch of great saphenous vein. My vascular surgeon, on the other hand, says my saphenofemoral junction is incompetent. Who should I believe?

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Dec 05, 2021

You need to obtain the actual duplex ultrasound reports from all three physicians and review what is documented. If there are conflicting reports, you need to consult with a physician who is an expert ultrasonographer or who works with an RVT (Registered Vascular Technician) who is an expert ultrasonographer. In any event, are these 3 physicians recommending different treatment courses or are they all recommending the same - if any - treatment?

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

You need to obtain the actual duplex ultrasound reports from all three physicians and review what is documented. If there are conflicting reports, you need to consult with a physician who is an expert ultrasonographer or who works with an RVT (Registered Vascular Technician) who is an expert ultrasonographer. In any event, are these 3 physicians recommending different treatment courses or are they all recommending the same - if any - treatment?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 07, 2014

If you have varicose veins then there has to be a source for the veins. The most common source are incompetent valves. A duplex scan is only as good as the person doing it and the person interpreting it. You most probably do have valvular insufficiency.

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

If you have varicose veins then there has to be a source for the veins. The most common source are incompetent valves. A duplex scan is only as good as the person doing it and the person interpreting it. You most probably do have valvular insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Mar 17, 2014

Did any of the doctors do your venous exam while you were standing? The one who did the exam standing would probably be more correct.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1189_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

Did any of the doctors do your venous exam while you were standing? The one who did the exam standing would probably be more correct.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 07, 2013

You need to go to a ICAVL facility or an equivalent certified vascular lab for a definite diagnosis.

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

You need to go to a ICAVL facility or an equivalent certified vascular lab for a definite diagnosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 05, 2013

Hmm, that is a tough one. Were the studies performed the same way? Were you standing upright when they assessed the saphenofemoral junction with the radiologist? If not, it is possible that reflux was missed. When there is discrepancy you should ask the other doctor for an explanation. If you are not satisfied, seek a third opinion.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Hmm, that is a tough one. Were the studies performed the same way? Were you standing upright when they assessed the saphenofemoral junction with the radiologist? If not, it is possible that reflux was missed. When there is discrepancy you should ask the other doctor for an explanation. If you are not satisfied, seek a third opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Nov 03, 2013

Did the vascular surgeon do an ultrasound?

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Did the vascular surgeon do an ultrasound?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kansas Surgical Arts

Published on Oct 31, 2013

Dear Sir,

There are different forms of treatment for venous disease. A reasonable place to start would be to get copies of all your studies and get another opinion. Make sure that whomever you see for the additional opinion is accredited and qualified.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1120_1499985021.jpg
Answered by Kansas Surgical Arts

Dear Sir,

There are different forms of treatment for venous disease. A reasonable place to start would be to get copies of all your studies and get another opinion. Make sure that whomever you see for the additional opinion is accredited and qualified.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Oct 31, 2013

The testing of the valves should be done in the standing position and should be visible to you when done properly. The MD doing the test should be able to show you the reflux. I show all my patients the reflux because of the amount of fraud in this area of medicine that I have witnessed. Simple test.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

The testing of the valves should be done in the standing position and should be visible to you when done properly. The MD doing the test should be able to show you the reflux. I show all my patients the reflux because of the amount of fraud in this area of medicine that I have witnessed. Simple test.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Aluna Vein Centers

Published on Oct 31, 2013

Let me ask you these questions before we can come up with a good plan:

1. Do you have venous insufficiency or venous disease symptoms like leg pain or discomfort, heavy legs, swelling, burning sensations, or you have any signs of discolorations, venous eczema,etc?

2. Are most of your concerns are cosmetic?

If possible, get both venous mappings from both doctors and compare them. One of the most important factors that some people might forget is that the venous mapping needs to be done in standing position since it tends to be more accurate.

Please gather all these information and I think you can come up with a better answer.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1162_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Aluna Vein Centers

Let me ask you these questions before we can come up with a good plan:

1. Do you have venous insufficiency or venous disease symptoms like leg pain or discomfort, heavy legs, swelling, burning sensations, or you have any signs of discolorations, venous eczema,etc?

2. Are most of your concerns are cosmetic?

If possible, get both venous mappings from both doctors and compare them. One of the most important factors that some people might forget is that the venous mapping needs to be done in standing position since it tends to be more accurate.

Please gather all these information and I think you can come up with a better answer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 30, 2013

I would believe the radiologists. Try to address the smaller vein, for doing so can improve your symptoms, which should be your first concern not the presence or absence of junctional incompetence.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1187_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

I would believe the radiologists. Try to address the smaller vein, for doing so can improve your symptoms, which should be your first concern not the presence or absence of junctional incompetence.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for EVLT

EVLT -1 answer
How much time should I expect to take off work?
See More
EVLT -3 answers
I had EVLT done on my rt leg three weeks ago. I still have pain and walk with a limp. It hurts to straighten my knee fully. It's as if the back of my knee is "tight". I got a large blister on my thigh and am completely numb in my groin and rt hip area
See More
EVLT -8 answers
I'm athletic, in good shape, and have always had excellent flexibility. I am concerned because 4 weeks after endovenous laser treatment my knees are better but not "normal." I cannot bend them all the way (calf to thigh) without tightness/discomfort. My Dr. hasn't been helpful. When will the tightness/discomfort resolve?
See More
EVLT -9 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) with phlebectomy on the left leg 3 days ago. I now have numbness around my left ankle, on the left side of my foot, and running up the right side of my shin from the ankle to a few inches below the knee. Will this numbness likely resolve?
See More
EVLT -7 answers
I had EVLT on my right leg 7 weeks ago and have been feeling normal for over 2 weeks now and then suddenly I have pain again and there is a hard/tender area where the vein was. It hurts to touch. Could this be from exercising (no heavy weights), or is this just normal?
See More
EVLT -9 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment on both legs in December. My leg is still discolored and numb at the injection sites, but my major problems are redness and extreme itching. The pattern travels up and then down my leg. I am scared to go back to the doctor who treated me. Is what I am experiencing normal? Should I seek the care of another doctor?
See More
EVLT -8 answers
I all of a sudden had blue veins on my waist, chest, inner upper arms, hands, neck and face, as well as legs, without pregnancy. They seem to be reticular veins and the ones on my arm burn. Does this mean I have a valve problem in my deep veins?
See More
EVLT -6 answers
I had EVLT in January 2012 and I have seen a significant increase in the appearance of blue-green veins. They are much worse than prior to EVLT, but my doctor said this is unrelated. I also feel pain and a tugging sensation during exercise, which he says is normal and may last for 12 months. Is this true?
See More
EVLT -3 answers
I had 4 EVLTs performed. It has been 1 year since my last procedure, and my veins still bulge out slightly (giving the appearnce of cellulite in front of thigh) after running or standing on my feet. What gives? Has the treatment been inneffective?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
EVLT -4 answers
It's been 10 days since my laser surgery and I'm wondering how long before I can start wearing high heels. Will I be restricted from wearing heels or similar shoes forever?
See More
EVLT -24 answers
I had EVLT about 2-3 weeks ago and I'm still experiencing sharp pain. It's mostly when I stand or walk. Even when I wear a compression stocking during standing or walking, there is no relief. But if I don't wear the stocking, it feels like my vein is exploding. I checked with my vascular surgeon and he said I have a clot. What should I do? Is there any way to get the pain to subside? NSAIDs are not helping. Is it possible to remove the clot? If so, will the pain go away then?
See More
EVLT -5 answers
Two weeks ago I had EVLT (endovenous laser treatment) with phlebectomy in my right leg. The only significant, stinging pain I have now comes when I stand still for a minute or so. Does this have to do with blood pooling? Is this common and will it resolve itself over time?
See More
EVLT -2 answers
I have a family history of varicose veins, and recently had a EVLT. Because I do not want to go through this procedure again, would it be harmful for me to wear a lower grade compression stocking now, for the rest of my life? I am 56.
See More
EVLT -11 answers
I run 12 miles twice a week. It has been suggested that both of my legs need endovenous laser treatment. How soon after treating one leg can I have the other leg treated? Is it possible to begin running [carefully] 5-7 days after treating each leg?
See More
EVLT -3 answers
I went to have my 6 month ultrasound after having both legs treated with endovenous laser ablation. According to my doctor, there is still trapped blood below my right knee. He assumes it will find a way out eventually. Is this true? Also, my right leg is numb. He says that this may be permanent. Will the feeling ever come back? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process? I completely regret doing this. :(
See More
EVLT -9 answers
I recently went in to have sclerotherapy on two veins on the lower left leg. I had endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) on the small saphenous vein and it was VERY, VERY painful. The doctor now wants to do the great saphenous vein, but I have reservations. How long can I wait to have it done? Is there a time frame?
See More
EVLT -5 answers
I had endovenous laser treatment about 3 weeks ago. When I stand after sitting for 15+ minutes it feels like the vein in my leg (below my knee) is being stretched. Also, my leg is numb around the site the laser traveled. Is this normal and how long will this last?
See More
EVLT -7 answers
I clearly needed post-EVLT microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy. Why would I have to wait six months to be re-evaluated, when my legs clearly are not improved cosmetically? I feel that it should be done as soon as possible. What are your recommendations?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR