Varicose vein surgery
Alternative names:
sclerotherapy of veins; vein stripping
Definition:
Surgery to remove or treat enlarged (dilated), twisted (tortuous) veins (varicose veins).
Description:
Varicose veins usually occur in the legs. The valves in the veins become damaged and the veins remain filled with blood. The varicose veins can be treated by removing them (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 (collateral circulation) around a blockage.
Vein stripping is done while the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). Incisions are made at the bottom (ankle end) and at the top (groin end) of the varicose vein. A thin wirelike instrument is inserted into the vein which removes (strips) the vein from the inside.
Vein sclerotherapy is done while the patient is standing. A substance that causes scarring (sclerosing agent) is injected into each varicose vein. An elastic bandage is wrapped snugly around the legs.
Many times, both procedures are performed; some of the veins are stripped and some are sclerosed.
Indications:
Varicose vein surgery may be recommended for:
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