Getting rid of large varicose veins may be a problem for many patients in the Gig Harbor, Washington area. While many patients have heard of traditionally used vein stripping procedures, few are willing to go through such an invasive procedure. Minimally invasive procedures that offer the same results are in high demand among patients suffering from the pain and heaviness in the legs caused by this venous condition. Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny incisions to remove large varicose veins and does not require a general anesthetic.
Instead of using a general anesthetic that may require a significant recovery period and a good deal of downtime, a local anesthetic is used to provide patient comfort during the procedure. This procedure may be performed in a physician's office or in an outpatient clinic and does not require an overnight stay like many vein stripping procedures.
To perform this procedure, the patient will at first stand up so the varicose veins may be marked. The patient then assumes the supine position (lying down on their back with their face up) and an antiseptic solution is used to prepare the area being treated and a local anesthetic is injected along the vein to be treated. Tiny incisions are then made along the veins and vein hooks are used to remove the veins through these tiny incisions. The incisions are so small that no stitches are required, and the incisions also allow the fluid to drain postoperatively. Pads are then put in place to avoid any fluids and compression bandages are applied.
This procedure offers excellent results without the hassle and burden of invasive vein stripping procedures. The procedure is much shorter than the traditional vein stripping procedure and is safer as no general anesthetic is necessary. Postoperative complication risks are also decreased with no general anesthetic required. This procedure also offers a decreased chance of recurrence of this condition compared to procedures in which occlusion is used.
Compression bandages must be worn for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure to aid in healing and promote healthy blood flow. With the diseased vein removed, healthy veins will take over normal blood flow. It is also important that patients walk after the procedure so that the contraction of their muscles rid the area of excess fluid and reduce the risk of blood clots. This also aids in the healing process. Compression garments may be required for one to three weeks after the bandages are removed, or until the leg has completely healed. Heavy lifting and prolonged standing should be avoided following this treatment. For more information about recovery from this procedure patients should contact a medical professional in the Gig Harbor area.
Bleeding and infection are the most common complications associated with ambulatory phlebectomy, although the risk is much less than with traditional vein stripping procedures. Others include discoloration of the skin, numbness and tingling, although these complications normally resolve on their own.
Patients are encouraged to discuss their condition with a medical professional to determine if they are suffering from spider veins or varicose veins. Varicose veins are bulgy and may cause heaviness in the legs. Spider veins, while they may be just as aesthetically unappealing, are not considered a medical concern. Spider veins may be treated using sclerotherapy or certain laser therapies.
For more information about varicose veins, spider veins, ambulatory phlebectomy or other venous treatments, patients are encouraged to speak with a medical professional in the Gig Harbor area. This is the best resource for information relating to venous conditions and treatments.
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