Varicose vein removal by ambulatory phlebectomy and surgical litigation

Normally, varicose veins can be removed with simple procedures such as laser vein treatment and sclerotherapy but in some cases, varicose veins can grow to be almost the size of small intestines! When varicose veins are too large to be removed through simpler, less invasive methods, such as laser vein treatments or sclerotherapy (where a solution is injected to shrink the veins), then surgical varicose vein removal is usually recommended. There are two main types of surgical procedures for this problem; a surgical ligation (also known as surgical stripping) or an ambulatory phlepbectomy.

There are many reasons why veins would become elephantine in appearance. Usually it is hereditary or a sendentary lifestyle that causes veins to become swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in color. It is time to operate when they become thick like cords or twist and bulge in a way that makes them resemble sausage casings. Usually, these extra large varicose veins are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can also form in the vagina or around the anus.

Medical treatment is usually not required for slimmer varicose veins unless they become distended, corded or physically uncomfortable for the person who has them. However you might want to treat your varicose veins when they are small as they usually enlarge and worsen over time. It is time to get them removed if they cause severe leg pain and the legs and feet to swell. The legs may also cramp up or throb while the person is lying down or sitting. An itching or burning sensation around the varicose vein on the surface of the skin is also a common indication that your varicose veins need surgical intervention. Mainly varicose veins are very unattractive and most people desire that they be removed for aesthetic reasons.

The reason varicose veins tend to occur in the legs is because they are under a great deal of pressure from the circulatory system. These veins simply collapse under the pressure of having to pump blood upwards, against gravitational forces to the heart. Excess body weight and a sedentary lifestyle can also cause large, distended varicose veins in the legs.

Usually, varicose vein surgery is not covered under insurance as it is considered an elective cosmetic procedure. If clogging veins become severe, they can cause a condition called a deep-vein thrombosis. This is a blood clot that can cause a stroke or heart attack by traveling to the lungs. It can also cause a severe bleeding infection.

When laser surgery or ultrasound sclerotherapy are not enough to remove large protruding or corded varicose veins then either surgical ligation or an ambulatory phlebectomy are recommended.

In the case of surgical ligation and stripping, the veins are tied off through an incision and then completely removed from the leg. These veins are considered to be dead veins and will not affect the movement of blood through the body. Usually, a surgical ligation requires a general anesthesia and is done in a hospital operation room on an outpatient basis.

In the case of ambulatory phlebectomy, a special light is used to locate the trajectory of the vein. A tiny puncture-like incision is made at the top or bottom of the vein and it is pulled out of the leg with forceps. This operation also usually requires some form of anesthesia. The advantage of ambulatory phlebectomy is that it leaves a smaller scar than surgical ligation.

Like any type of plastic surgery, both the ambulatory phlebectomy and the surgical ligation techniques for varicose vein removal are not without their risks. There is always a risk of scarring, infection and skin discoloration (especially at the incision points.) To reduce your chances of developing postoperative complications it is highly recommended that you don’t smoke after this type of operation. This is because smoking delays the healing of surgical wounds.

After either operation you will be asked to wear compression hose (a type of stocking) for at least a week to prevent the distension of other veins. As both types of operations completely remove the offending varicose vein in its entirety the results this type of invasive plastic surgery are often pleasing and permanent.