Vein stripping
Key points
- Varicose vein surgery is used to remove or treat enlarged and/or twisted veins (varicose veins).
- The valves in the veins become damaged or are absent, causing the veins to remain filled with blood, especially when you are standing.
- The majority of patients (more than 85%) who undergo varicose vein surgery have good results.
- After surgery, the legs are wrapped tightly in bandages.
Alternative names
Varicose vein surgery; Sclerotherapy of veins
Definition
Varicose vein surgery is used to remove or treat enlarged and/or twisted veins (varicose veins).
Description
Varicose veins usually occur in the legs. The valves in the veins become damaged or are absent, causing the veins to remain filled with blood, especially when you are standing. Varicose veins can be treated by removal (vein stripping) or by injection with a substance that causes the veins to scar closed (sclerotherapy). Removing or treating varicose veins does not cause circulation problems because veins can re-route themselves around a blockage. This is called "collateral circulation."
Vein stripping is done while the patient is under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Incisions are made at the bottom (ankle end) and at the top (groin end) of the varicose vein. A thin wire-like instrument is inserted into the vein that to strip the vein from the inside. Small incisions can also be made over the veins to remove them.
Vein sclerotherapy is done while the patient is standing. A sclerosing agent is injected into each varicose vein to cause scarring. An elastic bandage is wrapped snugly around the legs after the procedure.
Many times, both procedures are performed; some veins are stripped and others are sclerosed.
Indications
Varicose vein surgery may be recommended for the following:
- Varicose veins that cause circulatory problems (venous insufficiency)
- Skin irritation and sores (ulcers)
- Blood clots in the veins (phlebitis), which can travel to the heart, lungs, or brain (embolism)
- Cosmetic purposes
RISKS
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
- Reactions to medications
- Problems breathing
Risks for any surgery include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Additional risks of varicose vein surgery include the following:
- Blood clots (call your doctor if your feet become cold or change color)
- Irritation of the vein from the sclerosing solution
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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