Treating Large Superficial Varicose Veins with Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Updated on: August 18, 2014

If you're in the New York, New York area, or anywhere in the country for that matter, and are suffering from varicose veins, chances are that you've sought relief for the unsightly condition that may also lead to pain and heaviness in the legs for many individuals. Seeking ways of overcoming this condition is common among those suffering from it, and one possible treatment that has helped many individuals in New York and other parts of the country is ambulatory phlebectomy. Before receiving treatment, patients are encouraged to consult a vein specialist to determine if they're suffering from spider veins or varicose veins. Depending on the diagnosis as well as the size of the veins, different treatments may be recommended.

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a procedure used to treat those suffering from large superficial varicose veins. Patients with spider veins or smaller varicose veins may be encouraged to explore other possible treatment options. This is a procedure that requires tiny incisions to remove problem veins so that blood no longer flows through them and is carried out by other veins in the area. This effectively gets rid of the problem vein and the symptoms that come with it.

To perform ambulatory phlebectomy, the patient will stand so that the specialist performing the procedure may mark the veins on their legs using a surgical marker. The patient then assumes a supine position and an antiseptic solution is used to clean the area and a local anesthetic is injected along the vein being removed for patient comfort. Tiny incisions are then made along the vein and vein hooks are used to remove the vein. Because the incisions used are so small, sutures are not required with ambulatory phlebectomy. The incisions even allow excess fluid to drain postoperatively.

Following treatment, pads will be placed next to the skin to absorb the excess fluids and a compression bandage is used to wrap the leg. For about one to two days, the compression bandage is left in place to aid in the healing process. Once it is removed, compression stockings may be worn for one to three weeks to continue to aid in the healing process. Patients are typically able to return to work in one to three days, although they should follow the instructions of the specialist performing the procedure. Patients are usually encouraged to walk following ambulatory phlebectomy, as the contraction of muscles helps to get rid of excess fluid, reduce the risk of blood clots and also aids in the healing process. Again, it is important to speak with the New York vein specialist for further information about recovery following this treatment.

Ambulatory phlebectomy may be covered by insurance if it is used to treat varicose veins that are a medical concern. Before insurance will cover the cost, however, patients may be required to try other more conservative approaches to relieve their symptoms such as weight loss, compression stockings, exercising, etc. Speak with a vein specialist in the New York area as well as your doctor for further information. The price of this procedure often varies depending on the extent of the area being treated as well as your geographic location and the clinic that you choose to perform the procedure.

Learn more about ambulatory phlebectomy in New York, New York. .

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