Vascular Surgery FAQ

Varicose veins

Do I need surgery, or can varicose veins be treated without an operation?

Most varicose veins today are treated with endovenous methods that need no general anaesthetic and leave no significant scars. Surgery is kept for cases where those methods are unsuitable. Read the varicose veins guide.

Is varicose vein treatment painful?

Endovenous procedures are done under local anaesthetic, and most people describe pressure rather than pain. Bruising and tightness for a few days afterwards are usually covered by simple pain relief. Read more.

Can I walk, work and drive afterwards?

Walking is encouraged from the same day, and desk work is usually possible within a few days of an endovenous procedure. Driving is reasonable once you can do an emergency stop comfortably. See the treatment options.

Can varicose veins come back after treatment?

Yes. New reflux or recurrent veins can develop over the years, and returning symptoms should be assessed with examination and ultrasound before further treatment is chosen. Why varicose veins come back.

Do varicose veins get worse if left alone?

Usually slowly, yes. Reflux tends to progress over years, and some people move on to swelling and skin change, but the pace varies a great deal and some never progress. Are varicose veins dangerous?

Is varicose vein treatment covered by insurance?

Treatment for veins that cause symptoms, skin changes or ulceration is usually claimable under Integrated Shield plans and corporate schemes, subject to the insurer's assessment and your policy. Cosmetic-only treatment generally is not covered. Cost and insurance.

DVT and blood clots

Do I need blood thinners, or can the clot be removed instead?

Blood-thinning medicine is the standard treatment for almost every DVT, and most people need nothing else. Clot removal is considered in selected cases, usually a large clot in the pelvic or upper thigh veins, and is done in addition to blood thinners, not instead of them. DVT treatment.

How long does the swelling last after a DVT?

Swelling and heaviness usually improve over the first few weeks, and for many people the leg is close to normal within three to six months. Swelling that is not improving after a few months, or gets worse again, should be reassessed with a scan. Post-thrombotic syndrome.

Can I fly after a DVT?

Most people can fly once they are established on blood-thinning treatment and their symptoms are settling, which for many is a few weeks after diagnosis. Anyone with a recent pulmonary embolism or ongoing breathlessness should get individual advice before booking. Read more.

Can a DVT happen again?

Yes. Follow-up covers future clot risk and precautions around operations, illness and travel, and preventive medicines or stockings are advised individually. Read more.

Aortic aneurysm

At what size is an aortic aneurysm repaired?

For an abdominal aortic aneurysm, repair is generally considered at about 5.5 cm in men and 5.0 cm in women, or earlier if it grows quickly or causes symptoms. Size is the main factor but not the only one: shape, growth rate, symptoms and fitness all count. Aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Should I ask about aneurysm screening if I feel well?

Screening depends on personal and family risk, including age, smoking history and aortic disease in relatives. A general age rule is not appropriate for every patient. Vascular screening.

Is aortic disease hereditary?

Some is. Abdominal aneurysms run in families, and thoracic aneurysm or dissection at a young age may point to a heritable condition. Heritable aortic disease.

Is EVAR always better than open repair?

No. Anatomy, expected durability, age, fitness, previous surgery and your preferences all matter, and the discussion should include both approaches and the option of continued surveillance. EVAR versus open repair.

My report says I have an endoleak. Is my aneurysm leaking?

Not in the sense most people fear: the blood is still inside the aneurysm sac, not outside the aorta. What matters is the type of leak and whether the sac is growing. Endoleak after EVAR.

Leg arteries, carotid and diabetic foot

Does peripheral arterial disease always need surgery?

No. Many people are managed with medicines, risk-factor control and structured exercise. Limb-threatening disease and persistent limiting symptoms need a different discussion. PAD and poor leg circulation.

When does restoring blood flow help a foot wound?

If arterial disease limits circulation to an ulcer, the vascular team considers angioplasty or stenting, bypass or another arterial operation. Better blood flow can support healing, but cannot guarantee it. Diabetic foot and wound care.

Can carotid treatment guarantee that I will not have a stroke?

No. Treatment aims to lower risk, but neither medicines nor a procedure removes every possible cause of stroke, so follow-up and cardiovascular risk management remain important. Carotid artery disease.

Dialysis access

How long does a fistula take to become usable?

It commonly takes several weeks and sometimes longer. Your team checks its development and readiness, and some fistulas need further treatment or an alternative access. Dialysis fistula and access care.

Can a narrowing or clot in a fistula be treated?

Depending on the cause, options may include balloon angioplasty, selected stenting, clot removal or surgical revision. The plan must also cover how dialysis will continue if the access cannot be used. Dialysis access problems.

Scans and screening

How quickly can a vascular scan be done?

Routine scans are usually available within a few working days. A suspected DVT or an acutely painful, cold limb is handled the same day or directed to emergency care, depending on the symptoms. Vascular ultrasound.

Does an abnormal scan mean I need surgery?

No. The next step may be risk-factor treatment, medicines, monitoring, further tests or a procedure, and Dr Choong explains the finding and the reasons for any recommendation. Vascular screening.

Seeing a vascular surgeon

Do I need a referral to see a vascular surgeon in Singapore?

Not for a private consultation: you can book directly. Some insurers ask for a GP letter before they reimburse a specialist visit, so check your policy if you intend to claim. How to choose a vascular surgeon.

What is the difference between a vascular surgeon and a cardiologist?

A cardiologist treats the heart and the coronary arteries. A vascular surgeon treats the arteries and veins outside the heart and brain: the aorta, the neck arteries, the leg arteries and the veins. What vascular surgery covers.

Can I get an opinion on my scans without travelling to Singapore?

Yes. The records review is done remotely, and Dr Choong aims to send a written provisional view within 24 hours of having everything he needs. International patients.

Not answered here? WhatsApp Dr Choong on +65 9027 8636 (he usually replies within the hour), or see the vascular glossary and all contact options.