An ambulatory phlebectomy is an in office procedure done under local anesthetic to remove bulging varicose veins. Varicose veins are defective larger veins that pool large quantities of blood causing them to swell and bulge from the surface of the skin. Before an ambulatory phlebectomy can be done testing by the physician or vascular surgeon should be completed to determine the underlying cause and whether this is the treatment that will yield the best result. This can often be done under Doppler ultrasound.
Once the underlying problem is identified and a phlebectomy has been determined to be the treatment the physician outlines or marks the vein or veins to be treated. A local anesthetic is then injected over several segments of the vein. Several small incisions are made over the different vein segments. The vein is then pulled out through the incisions with a surgical hook. Veins are very flexible, making it easy for a large appearing vein to be removed through a small incision. Once all the segments are removed a compression stocking or bandage is applied to help decrease swelling and bruising. This bandage may be required for a week or more. Normal activities of daily living can be resumed although heavy lifting and exercise will be restricted for a short period of time.
Minimal discomfort is reported after the surgery. Side effects or complications can include bruising, swelling. Every attempt is made to remove the entire vein completely. Occasionally sensory nerve damage or skin numbness can result over the treated area.
An ambulatory phlebectomy is an appropriate treatment for those large superficial bulging veins that are symptomatic or asymptomatic. Often this procedure can be combined with others for an aesthetically pleasing result. Discuss your varicose vein treatment options with your physician or vascular specialist to determine if the ambulatory phlebectomy is the appropriate procedure for your needs. |
