Varicose Veins Surgery
Varicose veins surgery is among the most commonly performed kinds of surgery. Varicose veins can lead to several skin problems due to lack of circulation, and patients suffering from these effects should consider varicose vein surgery. The surgery is not for everyone, as there are several options for treating varicose veins that are less severe than a surgical procedure.
If the veins are causing health issues that cannot be resolved, however, it is important to talk to your doctor about the option of surgery.
Vein surgery is the only permanent solution to the problem. Because this method removes the engorged blood vessels, it is incredibly effective for patients who desire both medical and cosmetic improvement.
The main procedures to remove varicose veins are:
Vein ligation and stripping
This involves making two incisions (cuts): One at the top of the leg just below the groin, and one behind the knee or at the ankle. The vein is first tied off or clamped where the top incision is made (vein ligation). A long wire is then inserted into the vein via the lower incision and pushed up through the vein. Finally, a button-like cap is attached to the lower end of the wire and the entire vein is pulled out through the incision near the groin.
Another surgical procedure involves making several very small cuts (just a few millimeters wide) are made along the affected vein. A small hook is then used to pull the vein out of these cuts as far as possible. The vein is then cut and removed in several pieces. This technique is mainly used for smaller veins, like those that branch off from larger veins. It is meant to prevent the sort of scarring that can occur when bigger cuts are made during other kinds of procedures.
Surgery can very effectively relieve varicose vein symptoms: In more than 80% of people who have varicose vein surgery, it improves symptoms like pain, swelling and itching or makes them go away completely, and their legs look better afterward.
Both of the above surgical approaches can lead to pain, wound infections, bleeding, swelling, scarring and discoloration of the skin. About 15% of people who have varicose vein surgery experience one of these side effects. Serious complications such as thrombosis or nerve damage are very rare.
New varicose veins can develop after surgery. In studies that looked into this matter, 30 out of 100 people who had surgery had developed new varicose veins after two years.
It is usually possible to leave the hospital on the same day as having varicose vein surgery. But it can take quite a while for the swelling to go down and the wounds to heal. You may have to wait up to three weeks before you can go back to work.
At Grand Junction Vein Center, our specialists use less invasive methods, including Venefit™ and Sclerotherapy to achieve highly desirable and lasting results. Call us today to schedule your vein screening.
