Leg veins have one of the toughest jobs of all the vessels within the body as they have to carry the blood back to the heart, uphill, so to speak. As aging and heredity take over, vein walls can become weakened allowing blood to flow backward and collect in the vein causing a swelling and an increase in pressure. When the pressure is stronger than the interval valves, a permanent breakdown can occur. This breakdown results in the common condition known as varicose veins. The valves allow an increased amount of blood into the specific veins segments, overfilling. The vein begins to swell and gravitate toward the surface. The result is the bulging of blue or green lines on the leg. Until recently the most common way to treat and remove these damaged veins was with surgical process of vein stripping and ligation.
Vein stripping and ligation is the surgical process of removing the damaged veins from the lower extremities. If the majority of the vessel is healthy, the physician may choose to do a ligation. A vein ligation involves the surgeon making a small incision over the damaged portion of the vein. The upper portion of the damaged vessel is tied off and the remainder of the vein may be left to continue circulation. Should more of the vein be damaged the vessel is usually stripped out.
The vein stripping process begins like a ligation. The surgeon then inserts a flexible wire down into the vein until just below the knee. Once the upper portion of the vein is tied off, a knot is made in the wire and the physician pulls the wire downward, turning the vein inside out as it goes, stripping out the vein. Often several incisions may be required for completion. Once completed, the incisions are sutured and a compression bandage is applied for a few days.
Common side effects associated with a vein stripping and ligation include bruising, bleeding swelling, recurrence of varicose veins or nerve injury. Some of the more serious complications that can occur are allergic reactions to the anesthesia or medications used, breathing issues, bleeding or infection.
Vein stripping is an outpatient procedure usually done in an operating room under general or spinal anesthesia. Many physicians do not recommend the ligation procedure as it tends to have a high recurrence rate. Normal activities can be resumed after a few weeks.
Vein ligation and stripping will improve the symptoms associated with varicose veins as well as the appearance of the legs. Consult with your vascular specialist to determine if a vein stripping or ligation is appropriate for you. |
