Varicose veins appear twisted, enlarged and give a web-like structure. Varicose veins are commonly found in the lower limbs, but these may also be seen in other body areas. Veins in the lower limb carry blood against gravity, and to avoid backflow of the blood, these veins have valves. A deformity in the valve can lead to the accumulation of blood in the vein.
Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In this procedure, the superficial veins (veins just below the skin) are removed through minute incisions under the influence of local anesthesia. Experts at St. Louis varicose veins treatment center can help you understand the severity of the condition and what is the best treatment for you.
In this post, we will explain the different aspects of a phlebectomy for varicose veins.
Table of Contents
How should you prepare?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. The preparation method is not the same for everyone. Your doctor may ask you to stop the medication before the treatment. Your doctor may also ask you to wear comfortable clothes, and for the procedure, you are asked to wear a comfortable gown.
What is the procedure?
- Your doctor will use local anesthesia to numb the area of the skin to be treated. This means that you will be awake during the procedure.
- Once the skin is numb, the doctor will clean the area to be treated to avoid any chances of infection.
- After this, the doctor will make small incisions near the varicose veins and use a phlebectomy hook to remove the varicose veins.
- The procedure lasts anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour. It depends upon the area being treated.
Risks and Benefits of Phlebectomy
Risks:
- Infection – Every surgical procedure involves a risk of infection. If the surgical equipment is not sterilized, the patient can become infected.
- Hyperpigmentation – The skin in the treated area may get hyperpigmented. However, this is only a temporary issue.
Benefits:
- Patients who are in a good physical state for the procedure (which means that the patient is a good candidate for phlebectomy) have been shown to give a promising result.
- The incisions are tiny and do not require stitches.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Once the procedure is completed, a nurse will wrap up the treated area with a bandage as stitches are generally not required. You will be advised to wear a compression stocking for three weeks after the procedure to get the best results.