Centro Medico Gargano in Naples

Yes. Even after correctly performed treatment, varicose veins can reappear over time. This is known as recurrence and is possible with any treatment method, whether surgical or minimally invasive.

It is important, however, to distinguish between successful treatment of the treated vein and the possible development, over the years, of new varicose veins due to the natural progression of venous disease.

The key question is not whether recurrence can happen, but how likely it is and how long it may take. For this reason, outcomes are assessed by considering the proportion of patients who maintain good clinical and ultrasound results years later. Modern techniques, such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy in selected cases, offer high success rates when the indication is appropriate and treatment is planned using a thorough colour duplex ultrasound examination.

Appropriate follow-up and, where indicated, simple preventive measures such as weight management, physical activity, compression stockings when recommended and regular check-ups help reduce the risk of further manifestations of venous disease.

In most cases, varicose veins do not directly cause deep vein thrombosis, but they may contribute to superficial thrombophlebitis, which is inflammation of a varicose vein associated with a blood clot. If you experience sudden pain, redness, a hardened vein or marked leg swelling, a prompt venous colour duplex ultrasound scan is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Not every enlarged saphenous vein needs treatment. The indication depends on the presence of venous reflux documented by colour duplex ultrasound, the patient’s symptoms and the vein’s anatomy. When reflux is significant and causes varicose veins, swelling, pain or skin changes, minimally invasive treatments such as endovenous radiofrequency ablation or ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy may be indicated in selected cases.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that is generally well tolerated. It is performed under tumescent local anaesthesia and treats the saphenous vein without extensive surgical incisions. For most patients, discomfort after the procedure is mild and normal daily activities can be resumed quickly.

Sclerotherapy closes the treated veins, but cannot prevent the natural progression of venous disease. New varicose veins may therefore appear in other areas over time. Accurate diagnosis with colour duplex ultrasound, selection of the most appropriate technique and regular check-ups help maintain excellent results in the long term.

No. Many varicose veins can now be treated with minimally invasive techniques, avoiding conventional surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the clinical findings and colour duplex ultrasound examination. Depending on the results, sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, saphenous vein treatment or, in some cases, clinical monitoring alone may be appropriate.

Compression stockings do not eliminate varicose veins, but can help reduce swelling, heaviness and other symptoms of venous insufficiency. They may be recommended before or after treatment, or when a procedure is not immediately indicated. The type of stocking and compression class should be selected after specialist assessment.

Venous colour duplex ultrasound is the standard examination for assessing circulation in the leg veins. It is indicated for varicose veins, swollen legs, heaviness, pain, night cramps, itching, thrombophlebitis or suspected venous insufficiency. The examination identifies any saphenous reflux and helps plan the most appropriate treatment.

No. As well as affecting appearance, varicose veins can cause heaviness, swelling, pain, cramps, itching, skin changes and, in more advanced cases, venous ulcers or thrombophlebitis. A specialist assessment distinguishes conditions requiring treatment from those that can simply be monitored.

Yes. Walking is one of the most helpful activities for supporting blood flow back towards the heart, because the contracting calf muscles act as a venous pump. Regular physical activity helps reduce heaviness, swelling and venous pooling. However, when significant venous insufficiency or saphenous reflux is present, walking alone does not resolve the problem. Assessment with colour duplex ultrasound is important to determine whether specific treatments such as sclerotherapy or radiofrequency ablation are indicated.