Phlebectomy

Phlebectomy of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins lie just beneath the surface of the leg, unlike deep vein problems. A Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure using a specialty hook to gently remove the varicose veins manually that are not too deep under the skin.

Phlebectomy of varicose veins is extremely successful when performed on patients who are a good fit for the procedure.

Pre-procedure preparations

Your doctor will always be the best to talk to. They will give you specific instructions on how you can prepare for your phlebectomy.

There are sometimes changes that need to be made to your medication schedule to reduce risk.

You should wear something comfortable and loose fitting for your examination. You are sometimes given a gown to wear, instead.

During and after the procedure

There is rarely any pain reported by patients. This is because of the local anesthesia that is used. Patients remain asleep throughout the entire procedure.

The incisions that are made throughout the procedure are so small that they usually don’t even require stitches. They heal naturally with a little bit of dressing to protect them. Your leg will be wrapped up in gauze or a compression wrap to keep everything together and protected during healing.

Post-procedure requirements

You need to wear a graduated compression stocking after the procedure. This will need to stay on most of the time for two to three weeks from your procedure. As long as you are wearing these stockings, you can resume normal activity the day after surgery. You will be able to resume daily activity just 24 hours after the procedure most of the time. Ask your doctor if they do not let you know specifically or mention this might not be the case.

You should avoid strenuous activity for two weeks after the surgery to be safe.

What equipment is used?

As stated quickly above, the equipment can include a scalpel or a small needle, depending on what your doctor chooses to use.

Regardless, tiny incisions or punctures are made in the skin near the varicose veins being treated. Veins, in general, are very collapsible. Even larger veins are able to be removed through these tiny incisions. The one catch is that they need to be close to the skin surface in order for this to work.

How is phlebectomy performed?

Generally, this is done on an outpatient basis. There is usually less downtime than there would be with a surgical procedure and larger incisions. Occasionally, however, some patients require admission after the procedure to ensure safety and proper healing.

Consult with your physician as to whether or not you will require admission.

Details of Varicose Vein Phlebectomy Procedure

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a method of removing large, bulging varicosities. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia administered in the doctor’s office. The veins are removed through micro-incisions as small as 1mm.

Some of the benefits for good candidates include:

• no downtime
• can be done on all skin types
• performed in the doctor’s office
• minimal postoperative pain and discomfort
• no general anesthesia