Do these symptoms indicate that an ablation of the great saphenous vein has failed?


After 2 years of constant calf and foot swelling, I was diagnosed with GS vein reflux of left leg. I had VNUS done one week ago. All seemed good until 3 days after the procedure. I had a U/S to confirm the vein was closed. Last night I removed my compression sock before bedtime and began to walk around the house getting ready for bed. Within minutes of removing the compression sock, I had symptoms exactly like before the procedure--my left calf swelled up, my calf and foot began to go numb.

Answers from doctors (4)


Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Published on Jul 18, 2016

Numbness is not a vein-related symptom, and many things cause edema (swelling). It is possible that your ablation was perfect, yet you may have residual vessels contributing to symptoms. The majority of limbs cannot be successfully treated with thermal ablation using laser or radiofrequency alone. I would suggest visiting your doctor again and seeing what else is going on that may be causing ongoing symptoms.

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Answered by Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Numbness is not a vein-related symptom, and many things cause edema (swelling). It is possible that your ablation was perfect, yet you may have residual vessels contributing to symptoms. The majority of limbs cannot be successfully treated with thermal ablation using laser or radiofrequency alone. I would suggest visiting your doctor again and seeing what else is going on that may be causing ongoing symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Jul 17, 2016

I would make sure that you do not have a DVT if it is this close to the procedure. As well, the nerve could have been irritated during the procedure, causing the foot to go numb. I would discuss with your physician. Additionally, there are some other syndromes that can cause this.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

I would make sure that you do not have a DVT if it is this close to the procedure. As well, the nerve could have been irritated during the procedure, causing the foot to go numb. I would discuss with your physician. Additionally, there are some other syndromes that can cause this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 15, 2016

While the symptoms you describe pre- and post-operatively can be caused by GSV reflux and are alleviated by compression hose are classic symptoms of GSV reflux, we cannot guarantee that they will be alleviated. I have a frank discussion with all of my patients regarding this before treatment. Your surgeon should evaluate your deep veins as well rule out a blood clot. Continue to wear your hose, elevate your legs as often as possible, and walk frequently. Your symptoms may improve. You are still very early in the healing process.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

While the symptoms you describe pre- and post-operatively can be caused by GSV reflux and are alleviated by compression hose are classic symptoms of GSV reflux, we cannot guarantee that they will be alleviated. I have a frank discussion with all of my patients regarding this before treatment. Your surgeon should evaluate your deep veins as well rule out a blood clot. Continue to wear your hose, elevate your legs as often as possible, and walk frequently. Your symptoms may improve. You are still very early in the healing process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 15, 2016

Hard to say. The leg often hurts more after treatment when there is no compression.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Hard to say. The leg often hurts more after treatment when there is no compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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