When Varicose Vein Stripping Is Necessary
When varicose veins become large and twisted, treatment is often administered through ligation and stripping
. Other procedures, such as sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy, are no longer viable options since they are reserved for small varicosities. Increasingly, less invasive alternatives to stripping are being performed when doctors have the appropriate skills.Ligation and stripping begins with a small incision made in the groin or behind the knee, depending on the location of the varicosity. In the former case, the saphenous vein is located and tied off where it meets the femoral vein. In the latter case, the lesser saphenous vein is accessed and tied off. Then, a special device is inserted to create a mini tunnel through which the saphenous vein is dragged and removed.
This article will provide a brief glimpse of the tests you'll take prior to undergoing the operation, the procedure itself, and the recovery process afterward.
Tests On The Day Of The Procedure
When you arrive at the hospital or surgical center, your doctor will want to perform blood tests and check your vital signs. An electrocardiogram may also be ordered to monitor your heart rhythm. During the procedure, you may have a pulse oximeter attached to your ear or fingertip to monitor the oxygen saturation in your blood. As a precautionary measure, your doctor may also order x-rays of your chest.
Undergoing Varicose Vein Stripping
Immediately before the operation, you will be visited by your anesthesiologist who will administer a local or general anesthesia. When the anesthesia begins taking effect, your doctor will start the procedure.
Two small incisions are made near the upper and lower ends of the varicose vein. The top incision will be made near your groin while the lower one is made into your calf. A long, flexible wire is inserted into the incision near your groin and directed downward through the vein. It is threaded outward through the lower incision.
The top portion of the wire is equipped with a small head. As the wire is pulled from the lower incision, the head grabs the saphenous vein and drags it downward. The varicose vein is thus extracted from your body through the lower incision. Once the vein has been removed, the incisions are closed and bandaged. You are then moved to a recovery room.
What To Expect Following The Procedure
Your doctor or nurses will likely prop up your legs to prevent clotting and encourage blood flow. They may also fit compression stockings around your lower legs for the same purpose. Avoid standing until you receive approval from your caregivers. Your bandages will be removed and the incisions will be inspected. You can expect to return home the same day.
A full recovery following varicose vein stripping typically requires up to ten days. That said, you may be ready to return to your normal daily activity in as few as five days.
Risks Of Varicose Vein Stripping
There are several risks to undergoing this procedure, though most are rare. First, your body may have a poor reaction to the general anesthesia. Second, you may experience bleeding or infection. You can also expect bruising and long-term scarring in the area from which the saphenous vein was removed. Occasionally, patients also suffer minor nerve damage around the varicose vein, though the effects are usually minimal.
Lastly, there is a small chance that the procedure can cause clotting within the legs. If this occurs, your doctor may suggest the use of anticoagulants to prevent the clot from growing larger.
While ligation and stripping are still common today, alternatives are gaining traction. These include endovenous ablation therapy and a version of sclerotherapy using ultrasound. If you suffer from venous varicosities that are currently causing discomfort, unsightly bulging, and swelling, ask your physician to recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
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