Varicose Vein Surgery

About Varicose Vein Surgery

Varicose vein surgery treats enlarged, twisted superficial veins in the legs that result from faulty valves, most often in the great or small saphenous vein. Treatment is offered for symptoms such as aching, swelling and skin changes, and for complications such as bleeding or venous ulcers, as well as for cosmetic reasons. The traditional operation is high ligation and stripping, in which the faulty vein is tied off near its junction with the deep vein in the groin or behind the knee and removed through small incisions. Visible branch varicosities can be removed through tiny stab incisions, a technique called ambulatory phlebectomy. Endovenous thermal ablation, using radiofrequency or laser energy delivered through a catheter under ultrasound guidance, has largely replaced stripping in many countries because it can be done under local anesthesia. Non thermal methods include foam sclerotherapy and medical adhesive closure. Ultrasound mapping of the venous system guides the choice of procedure. Varicose veins are very common, and recurrence over the following years is possible with any technique.