How is Ambulatory Phlebectomy Performed?

Updated on: August 18, 2014

For patients in Daly City, California and around the country, varicose veins may be a troubling condition from which to suffer. They may appear as bulging from the skin and may appear purplish in color, making this a clear cosmetic concern for many patients. What's more, varicose veins may actually cause pain and discomfort in the legs, leading many to seek treatment for the venous condition right away. Patients suffering from this condition should speak with their doctor regarding their treatment options such as ambulatory phlebectomy.

?Ambulatory phlebectomy is a treatment that is intended to treat large superficial varicose veins. Those suffering from spider veins may not be considered a candidate for this treatment. To perform ambulatory phlebectomy, the patient will begin by standing so the physician may mark the veins in the legs that are to be removed. The patient then assumes a supine position and an antiseptic solution is used to clean the treatment area. Next, local anesthetic is injected to provide patient comfort throughout the procedure.

?Once the area to be treated is numb, tiny incisions are then made over the vein being removed. Vein hooks are then used to remove the vein. The incisions are so small that they do not leave scarring and they may actually allow excess fluids to drain following the procedure. Pads are placed next to the treatment area to absorb the excess fluids and a compression bandage is used to wrap the treatment area.

?The compression bandage should stay in place for about one or two days to aid in healing and then compression stockings should be worn for one to three weeks. Patients are encouraged to walk after the procedure as the contraction of surrounding muscles helps to get rid of excess fluids. This also helps to reduce the risk of blood clots and aids in the healing process. Patients are usually able to return to work in one to three days, but should avoid prolonged standing and heavy lifting. For more specific recovery instruction, patients should consult a physician in the Daly City area.

?As with most medical procedures, there are certain risks that have been associated with ambulatory phlebectomy such as bleeding and infection, although with the tiny incisions used to perform this procedure, these risks are typically less than with other procedures that may use larger incisions such as surgical procedures. The incisions usually heal without scarring, but darker skinned individuals may require a longer period before the incisions completely fade. Other possible side effects include discoloration of surrounding skin, numbness and tingling. Patients should speak with their doctor before undergoing this procedure to discuss side effects in greater detail and to determine if the procedure is right for them.

? Learn more about ambulatory phlebectomy in Daly City, California. .

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