Can ablation be done on a leg with lymphedema?

My left greater saphenous vein demonstrates severe reflux, slowing blood flow to the heart. The problem: I have lymphedema of the left leg. I've been told by a therapist that a cut or even an injection can disturb the lymphatic flow and that it can also cause me to go from stage 2 lymphedema to stage 3 or 4. I was told an injection may even bring on a cellulitus infection, which I have had several. Very concerned about getting an ablation on that leg. Will the procedure do more harm than good?

Answers from doctors (3)


Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Published on Jul 18, 2016

There are legitimate questions here, and it is impossible to provide perfect information in this reply. If you have primary lymphedema from birth, I would not suggest treatment of the GSV. If you have secondary lymphedema (due to morbid obesity, multiple bouts of cellulitis of the leg) and it only involves regions below the knee, it may help reduce edema, but it will potentially increase edema in the near term. If you have treatment, compression is important. I believe in this case, the vein surgeon should communicate with the lymphedema specialist to come up with a plan consistent in helping protect you. Either way, you will have a need for ongoing compression when the procedure is done.

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Answered by Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

There are legitimate questions here, and it is impossible to provide perfect information in this reply. If you have primary lymphedema from birth, I would not suggest treatment of the GSV. If you have secondary lymphedema (due to morbid obesity, multiple bouts of cellulitis of the leg) and it only involves regions below the knee, it may help reduce edema, but it will potentially increase edema in the near term. If you have treatment, compression is important. I believe in this case, the vein surgeon should communicate with the lymphedema specialist to come up with a plan consistent in helping protect you. Either way, you will have a need for ongoing compression when the procedure is done.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinsPlus - Grand Ledge

Published on Jul 14, 2016

In most cases, doctors who specialize in venous disease are also very knowledgeable in lymphatic disease. If you have edema due to venous insufficiency as well as lymphatic disease, then you may get some but not full resolution of your edema because of the lymphatic component. Without physically examining your legs, answering your questions regarding the risks of infection is very difficult. In some patients with severe lymphedema, the edematous skin folds can have areas of skin maceration from the skin rubbing on itself. These areas of skin are typically colonized with more bacteria than other areas. If this is the case, then yes, there may be an increased risk of infection with any type of procedure done in these areas (not just venous procedures). A knowledgeable vein specialist should be able to tell you if the procedures he/she offers are in your best interest. Just like any interventional medical procedure, there is no guarantee that a complication may not occur. Warm regards.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8153_1467041583.jpg
Answered by VeinsPlus - Grand Ledge

In most cases, doctors who specialize in venous disease are also very knowledgeable in lymphatic disease. If you have edema due to venous insufficiency as well as lymphatic disease, then you may get some but not full resolution of your edema because of the lymphatic component. Without physically examining your legs, answering your questions regarding the risks of infection is very difficult. In some patients with severe lymphedema, the edematous skin folds can have areas of skin maceration from the skin rubbing on itself. These areas of skin are typically colonized with more bacteria than other areas. If this is the case, then yes, there may be an increased risk of infection with any type of procedure done in these areas (not just venous procedures). A knowledgeable vein specialist should be able to tell you if the procedures he/she offers are in your best interest. Just like any interventional medical procedure, there is no guarantee that a complication may not occur. Warm regards.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 13, 2016

With "severe" reflux, it should help.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

With "severe" reflux, it should help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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