For my endovenous laser ablation w/phlebectomies, I had general anesthesia. Now I've read it's usually done under local. Why was mine different?
Also, all the phlebectomy incisions were at least 3/4" wide and closed with staples (a total of 25 staples to be exact). Everything I had read and seen online says the procedure doesn't require staples or sutures and the veins are removed through tiny holes with a tool. Why was my procedure so different? I didn't realize it was until afterwards, when I did a Google search. And no one even told me I had staples in my leg. I found out on day 2 when I unwrapped the leg and showered.
Answers from doctors (5)
Most closure procedures and microphlebectomies are done under local and tumescent anesthesia and sometimes with additional oral sedation. I use dissolving sutures in some of the microincisions for varying reasons such as bleeding or if someone is on a blood thinner. You should speak with your treating physician to see his/her reasons for general anesthesia and staples.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
General anesthesia is not necessary for ablation and or phlebectomy . Some Doctors are very old school and just treat veins the way they have always treated veins. Some Surgeons are employed by hospitals which have an interest in doing as many procedures as possible in Operating rooms under general anesthesia. There are other possible reason why your surgeon decided to do the surgery at the hospital under general anesthesia that may depend on other detail I am not privy to. What is most important is that you are happy with the results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What type of anesthetic or sedation used is typically the choice of the physician performing the procedure, and is a reflection of what they are comfortable with. These things should have been discussed with you prior to the procedure - assume you had a pre-op anesthesia interview to rule out any contraindications, and you could have asked about then. Doing research after the fact is too late to change the manner in which your procedure was performed. Most vascular specialist practitioners in the United States these days do not use general anesthesia or large incisions for vein procedures.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
These techniques were to bring minimally invasive procedures into the office under local anesthetic. This reduces downtime and discomfort for the patient, and especially cost. Many hospital-based surgeons are encouraged to do these in the surgery centers by the hospitals. My patients have no stitches or staples on their phlebectomy sites, just an occasional steri-strip. They walk in and walk out within 1-1 1/2 hrs. Minimal discomfort and complications. You should discuss this with your surgeon. We pride ourselves on our pre-operative discussions with our patients so they fully understand everything pre and post treatment. Research before procedures is a great tool for patients.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
These are excellent questions, but ones that can only be answered by the physician who did your procedure. We only use local anesthesia and no staples or sutures for the phlebectomies, so I don't know why your physician felt it necessary to do what he did. Best to ask him.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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