Ambulatory Phlebectomy - Prodecure, Care and Side efffects of Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a small surgical procedure carried out in the doctors clinic, but it is not a in patient procedure. It is a method of surgical removal of surface varicose veins. The person is given local anaesthesia while he/she is under procedure. Incisions are tiny, stitches are generally not necessary and typically leave nearly imperceptible puncture mark scars. After the vein has been removed by phlebectomy, a bandage or compression stocking is required to be worn for a small period of time.

Information about varicose veins?

Varicose veins are caused by the effects of oestrogen, prolonged standing, obesity and inheritance. There is usually a source of high pressure from incompetent or damaged valves. The damaged or incompetent valves are located by using ultrasound Doppler examination. By this the high pressure points are determined. Treatment proceeds from the largest veins to the smallest veins working from the groin towards the toes.

How Ambulatory phlebectomy is performed?

The procedure is as follows:

• Skin incisions or needle are used to puncture a small cut as small as 1 mm. It is then used to extract veins with a phlebectomy hook.
• A hook is inserted into a micro-incision in the leg.
• A section of the vein is hooked and then removed through the incision.
• With this procedure, a compression bandage is worn for one week.
• This minimizes swelling and discomfort and allows for proper healing.

Care with ambulatory phlebectomy

Since it is a out patient procedure with the use of local anaesthesia, patients can go back to work and normal activity after 24 hours. They are asked to keep the leg elevated and stay off their feet for the first day. Also, a support stocking is worn for one week.

Side effects of ambulatory phlebectomy

• There is no scarring or side effects.
• Since it is an in-office, it has minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia
• Patients have very little down time and virtually no problems after the procedure.
• Skin pigmentation at the site of the varicose vein can occur and is usually temporary.