My vein mapping test showed reflux and weak veins. The test was done because of pain in leg and varicose veins. I had a DVT in that leg 2 yrs ago. Is the procedure to correct this urgent? Can it be delayed or not done at all?
If you had pain in the same leg that had a deep vein thrombus (DVT) 2 years ago, it was appropriate to examine your veins by duplex ultrasound to determine if there was any new DVT. Fortunately, apparently, you did not have any DVT on the recent examination.
The reflux in the superficial veins is not an urgent matter - it can be delayed or you may opt not to have it treated, i.e., closed by endovenous ablation. This reflux may have been present for years - or decades. If this superficial reflux is causing discomfort, you may want to wear gradient compression hosiery for both symptomatic relief and to reduce venous pooling in the refluxing veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venous reflux is not an urgent diagnosis. Every varicose vein has reflux which can be documentated on reflux exams.
The manifestations of the reflux are what dictates the timing of intervention. For example, an open ankle veous leg ulcer is more urgent than the mere presence of a test finding. Furthermore, Venous reflux can most immediately be treated with leg compression.
Not all deep vein thromboses are of equal importance. Additionally, the cause and risk factors may no longer be present compared to the time of the previous diagnosis.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venous reflux treament is not urgent in most cases. Deciding whether or not to pursue treatment can be determined by how much your symptoms affect your quality of life. With that said vein disease is progressive and could cause more serious problems in the future such as venous stasis ulcers. If you would decide to not to pursue treatment at this time, compression stockings would likely be helpful in the meantime.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The procedure is not urgent unless you have skin changes and ulcer formation. Treatments today are minimally invasive such that the benefit to risk ratio is in your favor.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The procedure to correct the reflux is called closure and this can be done with either a laser or radiofrequency. This is certainly not an emergency and can be delayed. If your veins are the source of your leg pain then I would recommend you see a vein specialist and have the veins treated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no urgency. Continue to wear compression hose until you decide to have the treatment.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Reflux in superficial leg veins with associated pain, tenderness, edema, or varicose veins often needs to be treated. Procedures for reflux usually are not urgent, but some patients will develop complictins such as clotting, bleeding, or skin complications with prolonged delay in treatment. A clinical exam with an experienced phlebologist is important since decisions are best made with a skilled physician examining you and reviewing a detailed ultrasound exam.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Venus reflux is NOT a life threatening condition. Can certainly wait until be treated. However it is certainly a progressive condition and with always get worse and never better. There is no problem on delaying a procedure, it will just make it more complicated to fix it properly later.
Dr Farhy
Published on Jul 11, 2012