Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins

The following options are available for Surgical Treatment of Varicose Veins.

1. Phlebectomy:

Phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the varicose veins.

There are two basic types of Phlebectomy – Ambulatory Phlebectomy and Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy (TIPP).

1(a). Ambulatory Phlebectomy: In Ambulatory Phlebectomy using a scalpel or needle doctor punctures the skin near to the varicose vein and inserts a small hook into the hole and grasps the vein and remove it. The area is covered with a compression bandage or a compression stocking (varicose vein stocking).

1(b). Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy: Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy is slightly more invasive compared with Ambulatory Phlebectomy. After making two small incisions, the surgeon inserts a tumescent canula illuminator that contain a fiber optic light which illuminate the vein and makes it easily visible. Fluid containing local anesthetic is infused under the skin loosening the vein from the surrounding tissues. A vein remover instrument is guided to the vein, which is suctioned into the instrument where it is cut into small pieces and removed.

2. Venous stripping: Venous stripping procedure is similar to Phlebectomy, where all parts of the saphenous vein main trunk is removed through the incision made near to the varicose vein.

3. Vein Ligation: In this surgical method incisions are made above the problematic vein and the vein is tied off, to cut off the blood flow to the varicose vein. This vein gradually becomes less visible.