I have a large vein that may need removal, what are my treatment options?

A vein in my right leg was stripped out 25 yrs ago, on inside from ankle to groin. Now, a large vein has appeared, running across the thigh above the right knee up into groin and tracking down under the right knee. Which vein(s) is this? What are my treatment options?

Answers from doctors (13)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Mar 07, 2014

The vein that you appear to be describing is your anterior accessory great saphenous vein. It is a vein that can commonly go bad over time. Your treatment options depend on where you go. Most docs who do not do a lot of vein treatments will try to strip it much like they did your great saphenous vein. I tend to prefer the non-surgical route, which is via laser and injections. The benefit of this method is that you will not have any scars from the treatment, the vein goes away permanently without the risk of revascularization occurring as a result of the stripping (this is a bad thing because you start to grow new varicose veins within 5-10 years), and there is no down time and no wounds to care for. Have a consultation with a skilled vein specialist.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1116_1499984661.jpg
Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

The vein that you appear to be describing is your anterior accessory great saphenous vein. It is a vein that can commonly go bad over time. Your treatment options depend on where you go. Most docs who do not do a lot of vein treatments will try to strip it much like they did your great saphenous vein. I tend to prefer the non-surgical route, which is via laser and injections. The benefit of this method is that you will not have any scars from the treatment, the vein goes away permanently without the risk of revascularization occurring as a result of the stripping (this is a bad thing because you start to grow new varicose veins within 5-10 years), and there is no down time and no wounds to care for. Have a consultation with a skilled vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Mar 06, 2014

This is a common problem when stripping was done years ago when it was the only option. Consult with a skilled vein specialist who is versed in performing a variety of different vein treatments, like EVLT, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, etc.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1172_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

This is a common problem when stripping was done years ago when it was the only option. Consult with a skilled vein specialist who is versed in performing a variety of different vein treatments, like EVLT, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Mar 06, 2014

The first step would be to find a clinic that has physicians that are accredited by the American College of Phlebology, then have an ultrasound done. The ultrasound will help with a treatment plan. You do want to find out if there are any saphenous veins with reflux because that could be feeding the bulging vein. The bulging vein is just a varicose vein, it really doesn't have a name. Ablations, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy are the treatment options.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1153_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

The first step would be to find a clinic that has physicians that are accredited by the American College of Phlebology, then have an ultrasound done. The ultrasound will help with a treatment plan. You do want to find out if there are any saphenous veins with reflux because that could be feeding the bulging vein. The bulging vein is just a varicose vein, it really doesn't have a name. Ablations, ambulatory phlebectomy, and sclerotherapy are the treatment options.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Mar 05, 2014

You need to have a doppler to determine which superficial veins require treatment. The study will determine treatment options.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1296_1408044092.jpg
Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

You need to have a doppler to determine which superficial veins require treatment. The study will determine treatment options.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 05, 2014

This problem vein is a different vein than the one that was stripped. You need an ultrasound to look at the anterior assessory saphenous vein.



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

This problem vein is a different vein than the one that was stripped. You need an ultrasound to look at the anterior assessory saphenous vein.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Mar 05, 2014

Your treatment options may include some form of vein ablation like laser, radiofrequency or chemical. Another treatment option, known as microphlebectomy, removes the veins through tiny incisions. To find out what your potential treatments are, you would first need a venous duplex ultrasound of your leg.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

Your treatment options may include some form of vein ablation like laser, radiofrequency or chemical. Another treatment option, known as microphlebectomy, removes the veins through tiny incisions. To find out what your potential treatments are, you would first need a venous duplex ultrasound of your leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 05, 2014

There are many treatment options available. Usually, the procedure can be performed in an office, but this may depend onthe source of recurrent vein. Options might be vein ablation, sclero therapy, and/or microphlebectomy.

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

There are many treatment options available. Usually, the procedure can be performed in an office, but this may depend onthe source of recurrent vein. Options might be vein ablation, sclero therapy, and/or microphlebectomy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


So, it sounds like you had your great saphenous vein stripped. The new vein across your thigh is called the anterolateral tributary or anterior accessory saphenous vein (the terminology varies). This vein joins around the same area as the vein that was stripped in the groin and travels across the thigh to the lateral or outer knee area.Very commonly this vein becomes incompetent like your original vein and has reflux (backflow of blood) which ends up bulging into a varicose vein. I would treat this by closing the groin end of the vein with an ablation catheter (or others use EVLT laser which accomplishes the same thing), and ambulatory phlebectomy to remove the vein where it gets more superficial. Another option would be to inject it with sclerotherapy, but it is most likely a large vein and closure rate with that is in the 60-70% range versus 98% with ablation. All of this is done in the office with minimal recovery, nothing like the vein stripping you had before. There also may be what is called neovascularization in the thigh area which is regrowth of veins following a stripping which you would need an ultrasound to assess for. These are usually amendable to injections of sclerotherapy to close them.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

So, it sounds like you had your great saphenous vein stripped. The new vein across your thigh is called the anterolateral tributary or anterior accessory saphenous vein (the terminology varies). This vein joins around the same area as the vein that was stripped in the groin and travels across the thigh to the lateral or outer knee area.Very commonly this vein becomes incompetent like your original vein and has reflux (backflow of blood) which ends up bulging into a varicose vein. I would treat this by closing the groin end of the vein with an ablation catheter (or others use EVLT laser which accomplishes the same thing), and ambulatory phlebectomy to remove the vein where it gets more superficial. Another option would be to inject it with sclerotherapy, but it is most likely a large vein and closure rate with that is in the 60-70% range versus 98% with ablation. All of this is done in the office with minimal recovery, nothing like the vein stripping you had before. There also may be what is called neovascularization in the thigh area which is regrowth of veins following a stripping which you would need an ultrasound to assess for. These are usually amendable to injections of sclerotherapy to close them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 04, 2014

This vein is most likely the anterior accessory saphenous vein, which is a very common cause of recurrent varicose veins. The best treatment would be to have a venous ultrasound to identify this vein and the source of reflux leading to your varicose veins. Following this, laser closure of the refluxing veins and microphlebectomies or sclerotherapy of the varicose veins can then be done. See a vein specialist.

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

This vein is most likely the anterior accessory saphenous vein, which is a very common cause of recurrent varicose veins. The best treatment would be to have a venous ultrasound to identify this vein and the source of reflux leading to your varicose veins. Following this, laser closure of the refluxing veins and microphlebectomies or sclerotherapy of the varicose veins can then be done. See a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Care of New Mexico

Published on Mar 04, 2014

I recommend that you see a vein expert and have a duplex ultrasound study to determine exactly which vein is involved and what the options are for treatment. There is no way to tell without a complete examination.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1226_1550764825.jpg
Answered by Vein Care of New Mexico

I recommend that you see a vein expert and have a duplex ultrasound study to determine exactly which vein is involved and what the options are for treatment. There is no way to tell without a complete examination.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Mar 04, 2014

You need an ultrasound and go from there. You will most likely require ultrasound-guided injections vs. catheter-based ablation.

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

You need an ultrasound and go from there. You will most likely require ultrasound-guided injections vs. catheter-based ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 04, 2014

The new vein is probably a branch from the stripped saphenous vein, which has developed during the natural progression of your condition. Treatment options will depend on whether a deeper vein is flooding this surface vein according to an ultrasound mapping test. The usual treatment options include phlebectomy and sclerotherapy.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

The new vein is probably a branch from the stripped saphenous vein, which has developed during the natural progression of your condition. Treatment options will depend on whether a deeper vein is flooding this surface vein according to an ultrasound mapping test. The usual treatment options include phlebectomy and sclerotherapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Mar 04, 2014

In order to determine which treatment options are best based on your particular condition, you need to consult with an accredited vein specialist and be evaluated.

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

In order to determine which treatment options are best based on your particular condition, you need to consult with an accredited vein specialist and be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 21 years old and recently I have developed a varicose vein on my penis. The vein gives me slight discomfort. I am not sexually active. How can I fix this vein? Is there any medication or procedure which can fix it? I don't like the look of the vein.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
And, are there any options in terms of colors or styles?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
I am 21 years old and within the past four years I have developed spider veins and large veins that are visible in my legs. They are also elevated over my shins. Varicose veins run in my family, but is this really all genetic or do I have a health problem?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
Had a phlebectomy and VNUS done 4 weeks ago. I have lumps all along where the vein used to be (ranging from pea size to walnut size). They were painful & had them drained twice now. I still have lumps. What can be done? Will these resolve?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -7 answers
How long should I wait after varicose vein surgery to take an airplane trip, or does it matter?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
My wife had superficial blood clots in leg. They took ultrasound and she just collapsed 13 days ago in my arms and died in the hospital of a blood clot in the lung. She was healthy and young. No history, sickness, fever. How can this happen?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I had a phlebectomy that was not successful, then laser ablation and sclerotherapy within 2 months of each other. I now have shooting pains in my leg... is this something that is normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I am getting ready to have a varicose vein treatment but am afraid that I may develop blood clots and die. What should I do? Thanks.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
This pain occurs after I have been active on my legs. My varicose vein surgery was about five months ago.
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had a main vein stripped and incisions by knee done 4 days ago. It looks like its healing well, but I am getting a burning sensation. What does this mean?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Varicose Vein Surgery -6 answers
What is the recovery procedure after the vein is removed? For example, do I have to sit and rest it and how long will i need off work?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -5 answers
I'm scheduled for weight-loss surgery, and I have large varicose veins on both legs. Will losing the weight change the pressure in my legs enough to make the varicose veins go away, or will I need surgery or other treatments?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I am 24 yrs old, and after i had my daughter i noticed my legs are veiny. The veins don't bulge out nor are spidery. i was wondering what are they? How should I get rid of them?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -9 answers
I had varicose vein surgery 14 years ago to strip veins from my right leg. I have had severe pain in my groin and lower abdomen for years. Just found out the surgeon left three surgical clips in my groin. They are to be removed. Why would he do this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -10 answers
Is this a side effect of having varicose veins and can varicose vein surgery effectively treat this condition?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have a large number of varicose veins covering both legs. I want to get them treated but I'm afraid I won't have many veins left! Is there a point where you shouldn't have them all removed/injected because there won't be enough circulation?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -12 answers
One week after varicose vein surgery I developed a golf ball size swelling on the inside of my ankle that is very sensitive to touch. Is this normal?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
Can you fly safely with a superficial vein? I had some bleeding under the skin and I'm taking antibiotics. I fly on Friday and have a surgical stocking to wear. Is this OK?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -4 answers
If someone has had varicose vein surgery, can they come back? At any time? What are the odds of this?
See More
Varicose Vein Surgery -8 answers
I have spider veins and varicose veins. Will my insurance ppo bluecross pay for it? I was told by my insurance co they would pay if it is medically necessary, they hurt and are getting worse, I am a nurse.
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR