Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins

Introduction to Procedure

We know that undergoing any procedure is a scary experience.  We understand the worry and anxiousness that is associated with surgeries and procedures and aim to walk the road to recovery with you every step of the way. We put this information together using the very helpful handbook, ‘Handbook of Surgical Consent” from Rajesh Nair and David J. Holroyd.  We hope that the following information will answer all your questions and help you with the preparation phase for your procedure.

Description of procedure

All patients suffering from severe varicose veins should undergo preoperative venous duplex to confirm the diagnosis and identify the site of the variable saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ).

Severe varicose veins can be treatedthrough the following procedures:

  • Sclerotherapy: In this procedure, your doctor injects small- and medium-sized varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes those veins. In a few weeks, treated varicose veins should fade.Although the same vein may need to be injected more than once, sclerotherapy is effective if done correctly. Sclerotherapy doesn't require anaesthesia and can be done in your doctor's office.
  • Foam sclerotherapy of large veins: Injection of a large vein with a foam solution is also a possible treatment to close a vein and seal it.
  • Laser treatment. Doctors are using new technology in laser treatments to close off smaller varicose veins and spider veins. Laser treatment works by sending strong bursts of light onto the vein, which makes the vein slowly fade and disappear. No incisions or needles are used.
  • Catheter-assisted procedures using radiofrequency or laser energy: In one of these treatments, your doctor inserts a thin tube (catheter) into an enlarged vein and heats the tip of the catheter using either radiofrequency or laser energy. As the catheter is pulled out, the heat destroys the vein by causing it to collapse and seal shut. This procedure is the preferred treatment for larger varicose veins.
  • High ligation and vein stripping: This procedure involves tying off a vein before it joins a deep vein and removing the vein through small incisions. This is an outpatient procedure for most people. Removing the vein won't adversely affect circulation in your leg because veins deeper in the leg take care of the larger volumes of blood.
  • Ambulatory phlebectomy: Your doctor removes smaller varicose veins through a series of tiny skin punctures. Only the parts of your leg that are being pricked are numbed in this outpatient procedure. Scarring is generally minimal.

Endoscopic vein surgery: You might need this operation only in an advanced case involving leg ulcers if other techniques fail. Your surgeon uses a thin video camera inserted in your leg to visualize and close varicose veins and then removes the veins through small incisions. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Operative techniques

Preoperative identification and marking of the SPJ is essential. Troublesome varicosities should also be marked with the patient standing. The short saphenous vein is exposed with a horizontal skin incision at the level of the SPJ with the patient lying prone. Careful dissection is performed to the SPJ making sure that the sural nerve is preserved. The short saphenous vein and any tributaries are divided and ligated. Finally, small stab incisions are made over the varicosities and they are avulsed.  

Additional procedures that may become necessary

None

Benefits
  • Relief of symptoms.
Alternative procedures/conservative measures
  • Conservative measures, which include lifestyle alterations (losing weight and avoiding prolonged standing).
  • Compression hosiery, class II graduated compression stockings.
  • Endovenous laser therapy or RFA.
  • Injection of foam sclerotherapy.
Serious/frequently occurring risks
  • Bruising, bleeding, wound infection, scars, residual or recurrent varicosities, phlebitis, limb swelling, sural nerve damage (paraesthesia/numbness to outer calf and outer foot), DVT/pulmonary embolism, skin tattooing, lymph leak, popliteal vein bulge.
Blood transfusion necessary
  • None.
Type of anaesthesia/sedation
  • General anaesthesia.
  • Regional anaesthesia.
Follow-up or need for further procedure
  • Class II compression stockings to be worn for at least 4 – 6 weeks after surgery.
  • May require injection sclerotherapy for residual varicosities.