This procedure involves the removal or destruction of enlarged veins in the leg that are just under the skin.
There are different methods to remove veins, such as:
Veins have one-way valves to channel blood back to the heart. Varicose veins develop when the valves of the veins become damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, enlarging them and often making the veins just beneath the skin visible. The skin can also turn dark purple or brown because of increased pressure.
Treatment may be done for cosmetic and health reasons. In some cases, the areas of discolored skin may break down and form open sores (called stasis ulcers). Clots can also form in the pooled blood. When the valves are functioning poorly, your leg may burn, ache, or throb.
Treatment for this condition can involve either destroying or removing the damaged veins.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have treatment for varicose veins, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Your doctor will:
Leading up to the procedure, you may be advised to:
The anesthesia depends on the type of procedure that you are having, for example:
With this procedure, the doctor will inject a chemical into each of the damaged veins. This chemical will scar the vein so that it will no longer be able to carry blood. This will be a short, simple office procedure.
This is done on one of the largest superficial veins, called the greater saphenous vein. The doctor will view the vein using an ultrasound. She will then puncture the vein near the knee. A catheter (small tube) will be threaded up to the groin. The space between the vein and the skin will be filled with a special solution. This solution will provide local anesthesia. The catheter will then be attached to a radiofrequency generator or a laser. Heat or light energy will seal the vein closed so that there is no longer any backflow of blood.
The doctor will remove the veins by threading a long wire into them. Each vein will be tied to this wire and then stripped out. This will leave the smaller side branches broken off and in place. This procedure is usually not used on the saphenous vein.
This surgery is used to remove larger veins that cannot be injected. The doctor will make many small incisions to access each varicose vein. The vein will either be tied off or removed.
If the doctor does vein stripping, you will have many loose vein ends in your leg. Your leg will be tightly wrapped. This it to prevent blood from leaking out of the veins.
You will have pain and discomfort with the procedure. Stripping is more painful. Ask your doctor about pain medicine.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
American College of Phlebology
http://www.phlebology.org/
Society for Vascular Surgery
http://www.vascularweb.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Varicose Veins
http://www.evlt.ca/
References:
Merchant RF, Pichot O, Closure Study Group. Long-term outcomes of endovenous radiofrequency obliteration of saphenous reflux as a treatment for superficial venous insufficiency. J Vasc Surg. 2005; 42(3):502-509.
Rakel R, Bope E, Conn Howard. Conn's Current Therapy 2005. 57th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2005.
Teruya TH. New approaches for the treatment of varicose veins. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2004;84(5):1397-1417.
Last reviewed December 2009 by Craig Clark, DO, FACC, FAHA, FASE
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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