Varicose veins and spider veins treatments are a mystery to many patients in Boise, Idaho and in other parts of the country. Some may feel intimated by the procedures, convinced they cannot understand how they work. Yet the way in which the procedures work is very easy to understand, and simply understanding how the procedure works can help to put a patient's mind at rest when seeking relief from varicose veins or spider veins. Those who are considering seeking treatment for a venous condition such as these should first consult a specialist in their area to go over possible treatment options.
Ambulatory phlebectomy is one of the several treatment options available to those with varicose veins. It's used to remove larger superficial veins by using tiny incisions through which the veins may be removed using vein hooks. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis in a doctor's office or ambulatory surgery setting. Local anesthesia is used rather than a general anesthetic as is common with many of the more traditional vein stripping procedures. With the minimally-invasive nature of the procedure and the use of a local anesthetic comes a speedier recovery period in most cases.
The patient will first stand so that the specialist may mark the varicose veins using a surgical marker. The patient then lies on his or her back and an antiseptic solution is used to clean the area. Next the local anesthetic is injected for patient comfort. With the area numbed by the anesthetic, the tiny incisions are made and vein hooks are used to remove the problem veins. The incisions are small enough that they do not require sutures, and even allow fluids to drain after the procedure.
After the treatment, pads are put in place to absorb any excess fluids and a compression bandage is used to wrap the leg. Patients are usually encouraged to walk after treatment because the contraction of surrounding muscles can help to rid the treatment area of excess fluid, reduce the chance of developing blood clots, and can even help with the healing process. Compression stockings are work for about three weeks after the compression bandage is removed after the first couple of days. Patients are usually allowed to return to work after a few days, but they are usually asked to avoid heavy lifting and prolonged standing for a few weeks. Patients should follow any recovery instructions given to them by their Boise vein specialist.
Learn more about ambulatory phlebectomy in Boise, Idaho.
