Did my EVLA procedure go wrong? Were mistakes made?

I had endovenous laser ablation last July. Initially, the appearance of my varicosities seemed to improve a lot and the swelling in my ankle went away. But right after the procedure, I had an area of numbness on my inner mid thigh and quite a bit of tenderness and soreness in that area that lasted several months. Gradually, the very prominent vein returned with a vengeance. I also have more swelling and pain than I did before. I am wondering if something went wrong and mistakes were made.

Answers from doctors (4)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 21, 2016

It's very hard to say if anything went wrong. An independent ultrasound exam would tell you why the vein has returned.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It's very hard to say if anything went wrong. An independent ultrasound exam would tell you why the vein has returned.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 18, 2016

Nothing really went wrong with the procedure. What you are seeing is the potential result when the vein doc only treats one or two vessels. The reality is that no abnormal vein will actually go away until it is actually treated. It does not sound like your doc actually treated your ropey veins. The reason they went away initially was not because they closed down, but because your doc treated the main trunk (the GSV) that was feeding it. Unfortunately, like all other veins, there are always other branches feeding into them. So, your GSV probably closed initially but because the other branches were not treated, it ultimately re-opened and now your ropey veins are all coming back. You are now probably back to square one--everything reversed. If you want your veins to go away permanently, you need to find a doc who actually treats your entire leg from inside all the way out to your skin. That is when the results become permanent.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Nothing really went wrong with the procedure. What you are seeing is the potential result when the vein doc only treats one or two vessels. The reality is that no abnormal vein will actually go away until it is actually treated. It does not sound like your doc actually treated your ropey veins. The reason they went away initially was not because they closed down, but because your doc treated the main trunk (the GSV) that was feeding it. Unfortunately, like all other veins, there are always other branches feeding into them. So, your GSV probably closed initially but because the other branches were not treated, it ultimately re-opened and now your ropey veins are all coming back. You are now probably back to square one--everything reversed. If you want your veins to go away permanently, you need to find a doc who actually treats your entire leg from inside all the way out to your skin. That is when the results become permanent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Apr 18, 2016

Sounds like a vein may have reopened Check with a vein specialist. An ultrasound might be in order.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Sounds like a vein may have reopened Check with a vein specialist. An ultrasound might be in order.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 18, 2016

Following endovenous ablation, there is a period of healing that can last from 2 to 6 weeks, and during this time, the symptoms of pain, numbness and soreness can occur. If microphlebectomies were done, then the prominent veins should be gone, unless they are not clotted and you are feeling the clotted veins. A follow-up ultrasound would be useful. Also, follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Following endovenous ablation, there is a period of healing that can last from 2 to 6 weeks, and during this time, the symptoms of pain, numbness and soreness can occur. If microphlebectomies were done, then the prominent veins should be gone, unless they are not clotted and you are feeling the clotted veins. A follow-up ultrasound would be useful. Also, follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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