Varicose vein stripping is a surgical procedure that removes varicose veins from the legs or thighs. Varicose veins are the puffy, twisted veins that you can see under the skin. They typically have a red or bluish-purple color. Varicose veins frequently appear in the legs, but they might also develop in other parts of the body.
Varicose vein stripping deals with varicose veins and assists prevent them from returning. The procedure is also called vein stripping with ligation, avulsion, or ablation.
Currently, varicose vein stripping has mainly been replaced by either endovenous laser ablation or radio frequency ablation. Both of these methods are thought about less intrusive, safer, and more reliable than vein stripping.
Why Is Varicose Vein Stripping Done?
Your doctor may advise varicose vein stripping if you’re experiencing:
- constant pain, throbbing, and tenderness in the legs
- skin sores and ulcers
- blood clots
- bleeding from the veins
Varicose vein stripping might likewise be done if you’re worried about the cosmetic look of your legs. Talk with your doctor to see if varicose vein stripping is a good option for you.
How Do I Prepare For Varicose Vein Stripping?
Your doctor will carry out a physical examination before the treatment. This can assist your doctor identify where the nonworking valves are located.
Your doctor may use a portable ultrasound gadget so they can get a better view of the veins and their valves. They might also order a duplex scan, which offers clear pictures of the impacted veins and the quantity of blood circulation.
This test also can eliminate any clots, or thromboses, in the veins. This enables your doctor to see the varicose veins in more information.
Before the treatment, it is very important to tell your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you’re taking. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking particular medications temporarily, as some may trigger heavy bleeding during varicose vein stripping.
You must likewise arrange for a relative or friend to drive you house after the procedure. Varicose vein stripping is frequently carried out using basic anesthesia, which can make you sleepy and unable to drive for numerous hours.
What Are The Risks Associated With Varicose Vein Stripping?
Varicose vein stripping is a safe, low-risk surgery. But there are constantly threats associated with surgeries. These consist of:
- an allergic reaction to anesthesia
- infection at the incision sites
- heavy bleeding
- blood clots
- bruising or scarring
- nerve injury
These risks are rare. However specific people are most likely to experience them. Varicose vein stripping usually isn’t recommended for:
- pregnant women
- people with bad leg circulation
- people with skin infections
- people with blood-clotting issues
- people who are obese
What Can I Expect During Varicose Vein Stripping?
Varicose vein stripping is frequently done on an outpatient basis, which indicates you’ll be able to go house the exact same day as the surgery. The procedure normally takes 60 to 90 minutes. An especially complicated surgery could take longer.
Depending on your doctor’s suggestion, you may get either general or spinal anesthesia before the procedure. General anesthesia puts you to sleep throughout the entire procedure. Spine anesthesia numbs the lower part of your body, but you’ll stay awake throughout the treatment.
Your doctor may give you an anti-anxiety medication to take in advance if you’re getting back anesthesia and feeling worried about the treatment.
Throughout varicose vein stripping, your surgeon will make numerous small cuts, or incisions, near the top and bottom of your harmed vein.
One incision will be in your groin. The other will be further down your leg, either in your calf or ankle. They’ll then thread a thin, flexible plastic wire into the vein through the groin incision. The wire will be connected to the vein and took out through the cut in the lower leg.
Your surgeon will then close the cuts with stitches and location bandages and compression stockings on your legs.
What Happens After Varicose Vein Stripping?
It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to recuperate from varicose vein stripping. Nevertheless, your healing time will depend upon the number of veins were stripped and where they were located.
Your doctor will recommend pain medications to help with the discomfort. They’ll likewise inform you to stay off of your feet as much as possible for the first 3 to 4 days after surgery. You might be able to remove the bandages after 4 days have passed.
During healing, it’s important to keep your legs raised when you’re sitting. You can prop up your legs with pillows. By the 4th week, you can most likely go back to your regular activities.
