Vein stripping is now considered out of favor with the invention of laser ablation (minimally invasive sealing of the veins from the inside). The veins that are stripped are usually the long saphenous, and there may still be sections or branches remaining. The surface ropey veins need to be removed separately with microphlebectomy (tiny puntures through which sections of veins are removed).

They typically don't require stitches. I normally do this at the same time as the ablation. Make sure this is how your surgeon does them, as we still see patients coming in with large incisions for this procedure. This is an office-based procedure, no anesthesia except local, walk in, walk out. Your surgeon may still use a surgery center which is unnecessary and expensive. That said, 50% of varicose veins may shrink down after either stripping or ablation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If they only removed the gsv then yes. You can still have varices. You may need phlebectomies, sclerotherapy or foam sclerotherapy to get rid of the other veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Vein stripping removes the great saphenous vein from the groin to the ankle. It does not remove the varicose side branches. These are removed through separate incisions over the ropey veins. It sounds as if only stripping was done and not varicose vein removal. Follow up with your treating physician. He/she may be planning to remove the varicose veins at a later time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012