Answers

Replied on 12/15/2009

By: Laser Vein Center  |  Thomas Wright M.D. F.A.C.P. RVT
O'Fallon, MO

It is safe in the proper hands. However with newer technologies the risks and side downtime associated with even this safe surgery are not zero.
With the advent of endovenous procedures such as laser and radiofrequency ablation there is no need for ligation and stripping. The newer procedures are safer without the downtime.

Replied on 12/15/2009

By: Dr. Edward G. Mackay, Vein & Circulation Specialist  |  Edward G. Mackay, M.D.
St. Petersburg, FL

Very safe in the proper hands. Board certified in general and vascular surgery is a minimum.

Replied on 12/15/2009

By: The Vein Treatment Center of NJ  |  Dean H. Wasserman, MD, FACS, RVT, FACPh
Paramus, NJ

Vein Ligation and Stripping is a relatively safe procedure, recognizing that there are No procedures without any risk. The components of this surgery which qualify the degree os safety are firstly procedures on body extremities are overall safer than those within body cavities such as abdomen or chest. Secondly the surgery is in the surface (superficial) level of the leg. Third, vascular injuries tend to occur when the surgery is near blood vessels, however this procedure is intentionally on blood vessels and performed by a surgeon
most familiar with these vessels.

It is possible to perform a Ligation nad Stripping with either local anesthesia (Tumescent type as is used for endovenous laser) or a small area regional Femoral block by numbing the sensation nerve in the groin. The procedure can be done without an intravenous,
and with the patient fully awake. This approach further reduces risk of systemic anesthesia.

I must add, as my father, the Late Edward Wasserman MD, Pediatrician guided me, said, " There is no such thing as MINOR SURGERY. Minor Surgery is surgery on someone ELSE!"

Replied on 12/15/2009

By: Miller Vein  |  Jeffrey H. Miller, M.D.
Novi, MI

With the advent of endovenous procedures such as laser and radiofrequency ablation there is no need for ligation and stripping. The newer procedures are safer without the downtime.

Replied on 12/15/2009

By: Makris MD Interventional Radiology Center  |  Angelo N. Makris, M.D.
Oak Brook, IL

Vein ligation and stripping is a higher risk procedure than venous ablation. I would make sure that you are not a candidate for ablation prior to signing up for vein ligation and stripping.

Replied on 12/14/2009

By: General Vascular Surgery Group  |  Michael D. Ingegno, M.D.
San Leandro, CA

Yes this is a safe procedure that has been used for years. I generally do not use this procedure anymore and prefer the catheter based endovenoud procedures. i.e. Radiofrequency, or laser ablation, as these are minimally invasive and office based procedures.

Replied on 12/14/2009

By: Vein Specialists at Royal Palm Square  |  Joseph G. Magnant, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Fort Myers, FL

It is safe, but is also outdated since the introduction of endovenous ablation in 2000. Only very rarely should limited "stripping" of very superficial, straight segments of the saphenous vein be performed to prevent discoloration or potential burning of the skin. Stripping should be distinguished from vein excision, which is commonly performed either in conjunction with or as a staged procedure after endovenous closure. Vein excision or phlebectomy (microphlebectomy) involves making a very small incision over a bulging vein and then removing the abnormal varicose vein by gently pulling it up through this small incision with the aid of a vein hook.

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