Is it typical to have varicose vein surgery performed twice on the same leg?
I had a varicose vein operation on my left leg a little over three years ago. The doctors I've seen recently said that it was not perfectly done and that another procedure is needed. Is this typical?
Answers from doctors (11)
This is not the most common scenario, but it can happen.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It's really hard to say. "Not perfectly done" does not mean much to me. Vein disease is hereditary and affects the venous system. This means that new vein problems can develop. The important thing is that your current problem is correctly diagnosed and treated properly.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It really depends on what kind of symptoms you are having. If the old symptoms you had three years ago have come back, you may need another procedure. The vein that has been treated may sometimes re-open, or it may be a different vein causing symptoms now. You can ask your doctor to give a full explanantion about your situation and then decide about your treatment options.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Stab phlebectomy is the physical removal of varicose veins via small micro incisions. Recurrence is common, especially in patients who have many varicosities.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is seen occasionally.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Not typical but possible. Be sure you are going to someone who specializes in vein treatment and offers all modalities for treatments as options. In addition, the diagnosis and thereby the treatment plan is based on an accurate ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes. Unfortunately you are prone to venous disease and recurrence can occur.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is not uncommon to have varicose vein surgery performed twice on the same leg, but it's also not typical.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
When you are prone to varicose veins, you can always develop more over time. You may have inherited the tendency to get these veins and if so, treatment will be needed when they develop.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There could be many reasons to have a closure procedure done more than one time on the same leg, even if the procedure was done perfectly. Different veins can form malfunctioning valves over time, and even treated veins can form new branches that can have leaking valves. Vein care is a chronic problem and should be followed forever.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Recurrence of varicose veins occurs in a percentage of patients following endovenous ablation and ligation and stripping. Additional procedures over time to treat the veins may be needed.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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