It is preferable to have done an ablation, as ligation will increase the likelihood of neovascularization in the groin, which will manifest itself in the next 10 years as well as proliferation of veins over the external genitalia. I would seek an expert vein specialist who will ablate the GSV below the ligated vein. You can still develop segmental reflux of the GSV in the thigh, which will create tributaries.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The simple answer to your question is no. Since the development of laser ablation procedures and foam sclerotherapy, most vein docs have gone away from ligation procedures. Think of it this way: If you have a water pipe with water running through it, and you had two holes in it at two different locations. Now your pumber comes in and fixes the first hole at the top and tells you that he fixed your problem. Did he actually fix the issue? The reason your legs are tired is because by ligating the vein at the groin, he negatively impacted your venous circulation. The result can be a sensation of fatigue, aching, swelling, etc. Find a vein doc who knows how to fix your venous circulation and your legs will feel much better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I definitely would NOT recommend vein stripping or vein ligation! This doctor that you went to lives in the past. He's also saying things that are not proven by scientific evidence (such as you are "too small"). Today, endovenous ablation is the standard of care for venous reflux disease, which sounds like what you have. I would recommend finding a new doctor. Be sure that this new doctor is board certified and has years of experience performing standard of care procedures such as endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy, etc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012