I just had venous ablation and microphlebectomy on my left leg. As for the right leg, I ONLY had microphlebectomy. The doctor did not perform a venous ablation on that leg because he does believe the varicosities on my right leg are from reflux of the greater saphenous vein. What else could be the cause on my right leg? Is it common to only receive microphlebectomy and no ablation?
It is not common to have a microphlebectomy without ablation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Well, if you have reflux in the right greater saphenous vein and it is big enough to ablate, then typically an ablation is performed unless there is a specific reason not to ablate. If you ablate the vein, then you might not need to do the ambulatory phlebectomy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, microphlebectomy can be performed without the addition of laser ablation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is very common for a microphlebectomy to be performed without also doing an ablation. Sounds like your vein doctor Is being honest and treating appropriately. If you are still concerned, consult with him/her.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is possible for non-saphenous varicosities to originate from the pelvic area or from perforator veins in the leg. They may also arise from the anterior accessory saphenous vein, the posterior intersaphenous vein, or the cephalad extension of the short saphenous vein. The highest source of the reflux must be controlled prior to phlebectomy. This does not automatically translate to an ablation in every case, and may involve sclerotherapy.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In my practice, it would be rare to do microphlebectomies alone, unless all possible sources of reflux have been eliminated. Varicose veins are almost always due to some valve reflux. The key is to find the problem by doing a thorough ultrasound. If the saphenous system is present, then this should be the primary source. For recurrent varicose veins, one must look for unusual sources. This could be accessory veins, perforators, duplications of veins, and even open saphenous veins that may have been treated in the past. If the venous evaluation reveals no source for the varicose veins, then microphlebectomies alone are indicated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is possible to have varicosities which are "non-truncal" in nature; meaning, there is no obvious underlying cause for them on ultrasound examination. If you have the genetic pre-disposition to have varicose veins, this is quite possible. There is no reason to perform ablation on otherwise normal veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is difficult to say without performing an evaluation on you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012