How Does Ambulatory Phlebectomy Work?

Updated on: August 18, 2014

Patients in the Flower Mound, Texas area who are experiencing varicose veins often seek treatment to overcome this unsightly condition. Not only are varicose veins unsightly in their appearance, they are also associated with symptoms like discomfort, pain, and heaviness in the legs. It's not surprising that so many sufferers of this condition seek treatment to overcome it. Patients should speak with a vein specialist on staff to discuss treatment options to determine their best course of action, but many are often referred to ambulatory phlebectomy. This is a minimally-invasive procedure that involves the removal of problem veins through tiny incision using vein hooks.

Before undergoing treatment, it's important that patients first consult a specialist in the Flower Mound area to determine if ambulatory phlebectomy is right for them. Women who are pregnant and those with certain medical conditions may be encouraged to seek other forms of treatment, pursue more conservative treatment options, or to wait until after giving birth. The treatment is versatile, treating many men and women of varying ages, and offers a quicker recovery time and less downtime than more traditional vein stripping procedures.

Patients will first stand so that the varicose veins are easily identified and may be marked with a surgical marker. The patient then lies on a table and the antiseptic solution is applied to clean the area and local anesthetic is used to numb the area for patient comfort throughout the treatment. With the area numbed and cleaned, tiny incisions are then made over the problem veins to be removed. Vein hooks are then used to grab and remove the veins. Pads will be placed next to the skin to absorb fluids after the veins have been removed, and a compression bandage is used to wrap the leg.

Patients are usually advised to wear the compression bandage for a couple of days, and then compression stockings are worn for a few weeks to aid the healing process. Patients are able to return to work after a day or so, but should avoid heavy lifting and prolonged standing for the first few weeks after the procedure. Common risks include bleeding, infection, and while the incisions usually heal with no scarring, those with darker skin may require a longer period before the areas fade. Other potential risks include discoloration of surrounding skin, numbness, and tingling in the treatment area.

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